by Joseph Matthews
Countries including China and Brazil launched a "Friends of Peace" platform on the Ukraine crisis earlier in September at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The platform was designed to create an atmosphere for the resumption of peace talks, to promote a ceasefire, and to end hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
In my view, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a direct result of the absence of talks and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in the first place.
Had NATO states and the United States allowed Russia-Ukraine talks without third-party interference, this conflict could have been avoided.
Instead, Washington and its Western allies manipulated the situation and hijacked the possible talks between Russia and Ukraine, and pushed Ukraine into conflicts by ignoring the legitimate security concerns of Russia.
Since the conflicts broke out, China and many other countries have focused on promoting peace rather than fueling tensions.
The "Friends of Peace" is a platform made by China, Brazil and "Global South" countries to strive for peace. It is supported by South Africa, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, and many other countries that want to see peace in the region.
Before that, in May 2024, China and Brazil presented a six-point consensus to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The six points call on all parties concerned to de-escalate, to create conditions for direct talks until the realization of a comprehensive ceasefire, to increase humanitarian assistance, to oppose the use of weapons of mass destruction, to oppose attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities, and to protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
The "Friends of Peace" platform has the potential to create the conditions for Russia and Ukraine to start talking and seeking a political settlement to the conflict without interference from external forces, whom I call warmongers.
China's role as a peacemaker was proven last year when China successfully facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
China also brokered the peace deal between 14 different factions of Palestinians in July this year.
China's role as a peacemaker showcases China's resolve to create a world without conflict, hegemonic force, and poverty.
Editor's note: Joseph Matthews is a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
