European Commission Wary of China's "Peace Plan" for Ukraine

Frans Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Commission, has expressed reservations about the peace initiative announced by China in Ukraine's war.

As Handelsblatt reports, the peace plan could only work if the Russian army leaves Ukraine, Timmermans said. The only way to a peace plan is to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and borders.

"If we start from the assumption that borders are not respected, then all hell will break loose," he said.

Timmermans points out that it is not yet clear what the peace plan might look like.

China has promised a peace initiative on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has announced that the "position document" on the settlement of the war refers to respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the foundations of the UN Charter, taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries, as well as supporting all efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement.

The United States have recently expressed concern about possible arms deliveries from China to Russia. "If the Americans come up with this information, we have to take it seriously," Timmermans said, referring to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statements. If this happens, it will have "serious consequences" for relations with China. However, he hopes that the Chinese leadership will keep its promise not to send weapons. After Blinken's statements, China accused the U.S. of disinformation.