Rio de Janeiro, 19 November 2024: Chinese President Xi Jinping urged G20 leaders to back efforts aimed at de-escalating the war in Ukraine and pursuing a “political solution,” according to state media reports on Monday. Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, Xi stressed the need for collective action to prevent the conflict’s escalation and to foster a peaceful resolution.
“The G20 should support the United Nations and its Security Council in playing a greater role and endorse all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises,” Xi said, as reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
He cautioned against the spillover effects of the ongoing war and appealed for measures to “cool the Ukraine crisis and seek a political solution.”
The conflict in Ukraine, sparked by Russia’s invasion in 2022, persists with no resolution in sight. Xi’s comments follow the United States’ recent approval for Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles provided by Washington against targets inside Russia.
While China portrays itself as a neutral party in the conflict, it remains a key political and economic ally of Russia, a relationship that has drawn criticism from NATO members. “China is a decisive enabler of the war,” NATO allies have claimed, pointing to Beijing’s refusal to condemn Moscow’s actions.
However, China has denied providing lethal support to either side, contrasting with the substantial military aid sent to Ukraine by Western nations.
Meanwhile, as the U.S. shifts its policy on military aid, other nations are stepping up their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Monday that Germany would send 4,000 AI-guided drones to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
On economic issues, Xi warned against the dangers of protectionism and the politicization of trade. “We must avoid artificially dividing the global market and politicizing economic issues,” he said, underscoring the importance of multilateral trade systems.
He also criticized the practice of imposing tariffs under the guise of promoting green development.
Xi’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Beijing and Washington over trade policies.
The Biden administration has increased tariffs on Chinese imports this year, particularly in sectors like electric vehicle batteries and solar cells, as part of efforts to expand domestic clean energy production.
The global trade landscape faces further uncertainty as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to reenter the White House in January. Trump, during his campaign, promised sweeping tariffs on China and other nations to boost American industries.
On artificial intelligence, Xi called for international collaboration and equity. “Cooperation in AI should not become a game of the rich and the wealthy,” he said, advocating for a balanced approach to innovation.
Xi’s wide-ranging address reflects China’s bid to position itself as a key player in both geopolitical and economic spheres while navigating mounting criticism over its stance on global conflicts and trade practices.
