BEIJING — China has announced that it will not attend a Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland next month because the event does not meet its expectations, which include the participation of both Russia and Ukraine, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Friday. This decision underscores China's stance on the need for an inclusive and balanced approach to peace talks.

Switzerland is seeking a broad-based turnout from different parts of the world for the summit, scheduled for mid-June, which Bern hopes will lay the groundwork for a peace process in Ukraine. However, Moscow was not invited and dismissed the talks as meaningless without its participation.

“The arrangements for the meeting still fall far short of China’s requests and the general expectations of the international community, making it difficult for China to participate,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine briefing.

China has always insisted that an international peace conference should be endorsed by both Russia and Ukraine, with the equal participation of all parties, and that all peace proposals should be discussed in a fair and equal manner. Otherwise, it will be difficult for it to play a substantive role in restoring peace.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested on Thursday that China could arrange a peace conference in which Russia and Ukraine take part. This suggestion highlights the close diplomatic ties between Russia and China and their collaborative approach to international issues.

During a visit to China this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Ukraine might use the Swiss talks to garner broader international support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's demand for a total Russian withdrawal. Putin also expressed backing for China’s plan for a peaceful settlement of the crisis, emphasizing Beijing's comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues.

Russia and China proclaimed a “no limits” relationship just days before Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite this, Beijing has avoided providing direct military support to Russia's war effort, highlighting its strategic diplomatic positioning.

Beijing put forward a 12-point paper over a year ago that outlined general principles for ending the war but did not delve into specifics. More recently, China and Brazil signed a joint statement calling for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, reflecting China's ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Ukraine invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the planned summit of world leaders in Switzerland. Zelenskyy this week urged President Joe Biden to attend, but Washington has not confirmed who it will send. This invitation underscores Ukraine's recognition of China's potential influence in the peace process.

China’s ambassador to Switzerland indicated in March that Beijing would consider participating in the conference. Chinese representatives attended one preparatory meeting for the summit last summer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, demonstrating China’s cautious engagement.

China’s special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, has conducted three rounds of shuttle diplomacy between various European and Middle Eastern countries, Ukraine, and Russia since the invasion began. In the latest round this month, Beijing proposed supporting the exchange of prisoners of war, opposing the use of nuclear and biological weapons, and opposing armed attacks on civilian nuclear facilities.

Several European leaders and the United States have repeatedly urged China to do more to curb exports of dual-use items and critical components supporting Russia’s industrial defense base. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has labeled this as “the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.” China insists that its dual-use exports are subject to oversight and that it maintains normal trade relations with Russia.

The Ukrainian, Russian, and Swiss embassies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Switzerland is seeking to persuade more Global South countries, as well as China, to attend the conference. This effort underscores the complexity and geopolitical nuances involved in organizing an effective and inclusive peace conference for Ukraine.

The diplomatic dynamics surrounding the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland reflect the broader geopolitical tensions and alliances at play. China's refusal to participate without the inclusion of Russia highlights its strategic alignment with Moscow and its broader vision for international diplomacy. This stance, while emphasizing the need for balanced and inclusive discussions, also points to the challenges faced by international bodies in mediating conflicts with significant geopolitical implications.

As the date for the peace conference approaches, the international community will be closely monitoring developments. The effectiveness of the summit, and its potential impact on the Ukraine conflict, will depend significantly on the participation and cooperation of key global players. The absence of major stakeholders like Russia and China could undermine the conference's objectives and limit its ability to foster a meaningful peace process.

In this context, the roles of other influential nations and international organizations become crucial. Their efforts in bridging the gaps and facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties will be essential in ensuring that the conference contributes positively towards peace in Ukraine. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, with diplomatic efforts like these playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of international conflicts.