ISLAMABAD: President Xi Jinping is set to visit to Russia on Monday hoping to deliver a breakthrough on the Ukraine issue as China tries to position itself as a peacemaker.
Freshly reappointed for a 3rd term in power, Xi is pushing a greater role for his country on the global stage and played a crucial role in mediating a surprise thaw between Middle Eastern rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran this month.
Rumors about visit
Rumors that he may hold his first call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky since the eruption of war have raised hopes in Western capitals that Xi may press his “old friend” Putin to stop his bloody aggression during the 3-day state visit.
Announcing the visit Friday, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Beijing would play a constructive role in promoting peace negotiations.
