Kirby: China’s influence is positive as Putin heeds Xi’s advice.

China’s Role in Resolving Ukraine Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have a possible solution, and it involves China. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby shared his insight on the matter during the G7 Summit in Japan this weekend.

Quad Leaders’ Meeting

Kirby was discussing the end goal of the Quad Leaders’ meeting, which included President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The leaders got together to discuss China and its relationship with Russia.

“China’s influence can be a good thing here, Kristen,” Kirby said, addressing one of the MSNBC reporters. “There’s very few leaders around the world that Mr. Putin is willing to listen to. President Xi is one of them.”

China’s Role in Peace Process

Kirby went on to say that the message to China has been to use its influence with Putin to encourage him to get out of Ukraine and pull his troops out. If China wants to be involved in a peace process, it can have a role, but it must start with a foundation of understanding of President Zelensky’s acceptance of a peace proposal.

Quad Meeting History

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, met for the first time in 2007 as democratic leaders. This international summit comes weeks after Xi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time.

Biden was meant to meet with the other three leaders in Australia but ultimately postponed his trip due to debt limit talks back home. The others ultimately accommodated the president’s schedule and agreed to meet during the G7 summit.

China’s involvement in resolving the Ukraine conflict could be a game-changer. With President Xi being one of the few leaders Putin is willing to listen to, China’s influence could be the key to ending the conflict. The Quad Leaders’ meeting discussed China’s role in the peace process, and Kirby’s message to China is clear: use your influence to encourage Putin to pull his troops out of Ukraine. The Quad meeting has a history of democratic leaders coming together, and this year’s summit comes after Xi’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky.