Why China Is Trying to Mediate in Russia's War with Ukraine | April 27,, 2023 |

Wednesday's statement warned against the dangers of nuclear war, suggesting Beijing might also have been motivated by what it sees as the growing danger of a more destructive conflict.

Mediating between Ukraine and Russia would increase China's presence in Eastern Europe, where Beijing has tried to build ties with other governments. That has prompted complaints by some European officials that China is trying to gain leverage over the European Union.

Political science professor Kimberly Marten of Barnard College at Columbia University in New York doubted China would succeed in a peacemaker role.

"I have a hard time believing that China can act as peacemaker," she said, adding that Beijing has been "too close to Russia."