China Backs Trump’s Ukraine Deal as G20 Divides Over War Strategy
China supports Trump’s efforts to broker peace with Russia, igniting tensions at the G20. U.S. allies rally behind Ukraine.
China Sides With Trump on Ukraine Peace Deal, Dividing G20 Nations
At the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, China openly backed U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to strike a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The move has caused a deepening rift among world leaders, as U.S. allies reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Less than a month into his presidency, Trump has dramatically reshaped U.S. policy on the conflict, sidelining Ukraine in key negotiations and shifting focus toward direct diplomacy with Moscow.
The latest developments mark a sharp departure from the previous U.S. administration’s strategy of isolating Russia. Trump’s direct outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including recent high-level talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials, signals a potential shift in the global power balance.
Trump’s Diplomatic Shakeup Sparks Global Tensions
Trump’s pivot in Ukraine policy has sparked a backlash from traditional allies. During the G20 summit, he escalated tensions by denouncing Zelenskiy as a “dictator,” a remark that prompted immediate pushback from nations such as Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, who reaffirmed their commitment to Kyiv.
China, however, embraced Trump’s approach. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the summit, confirmed Beijing’s support for any efforts “conducive to peace” and welcomed the apparent consensus between Washington and Moscow. “China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in the political resolution of the crisis,” Wang added.
His remarks omitted an earlier stance made at the Munich Security Conference, where Beijing had emphasized the importance of all stakeholders—including Ukraine—participating in peace negotiations. This shift signals a strategic recalibration as China seeks to maintain influence over Russia while ensuring a role in any future European security arrangements.
China’s Strategic Play in the Ukraine Conflict
China’s position on the war has been carefully calculated. Analysts suggest Beijing aims to leverage its relationship with Moscow to maintain diplomatic leverage in Europe. China could ensure its involvement in any eventual settlement by aligning with Trump’s direct negotiations with Russia.
“By going straight to Putin, President Trump has erased what Beijing had hoped could be a key piece of initial leverage,” said Ruby Osman, a China expert at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Beijing’s next move, experts predict, might focus on securing a role in post-war reconstruction and peacekeeping efforts. Such an involvement would cement China’s influence in European security, further positioning it as a global power broker.
Russia Hardens Its Stance Amid Ongoing U.S. Talks
Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to continue discussions with Russia on ending the nearly three-year-long war following an extensive meeting in Saudi Arabia. Moscow characterized the talks as “useful” but remained firm on key demands—most notably, its insistence that Ukraine should never be granted NATO membership.
The NATO question remains a critical sticking point. While Trump has not publicly addressed the issue, his earlier skepticism of NATO’s role in global security raises concerns among European leaders. Russia’s firm stance on preventing Ukraine’s integration into the alliance could become a central challenge in Trump’s peace efforts.
G20 Divided: The Future of Ukraine’s War and Global Alliances
The diplomatic upheaval at the G20 underscores the broader fractures in global alliances. While Trump’s administration seeks to broker a resolution that prioritizes U.S.-Russia negotiations, European nations and other allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and military resistance.
China’s endorsement of Trump’s approach signals its broader ambitions, but whether this strategy will yield a sustainable resolution remains uncertain. As the world watches the next phase of these negotiations unfold, the future of the war in Ukraine—and its geopolitical ramifications—hangs in the balance.
Trump’s swift pivot in U.S. foreign policy has set the stage for a new phase of international diplomacy. While China’s support strengthens his approach, opposition from European allies ensures a contentious road ahead. The outcome of ongoing talks with Russia could reshape global alliances and determine Ukraine’s future. As diplomatic maneuvering continues, the world remains on edge, watching how history will unfold.
Source: (Reuters)
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and diplomatic statements. Developments are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the latest updates.)
Also Read: U.S. Deports Venezuelan Migrants from Guantanamo Bay Amid Rising Immigration Tensions