China’s recent participation in the Munich Security Conference highlighted its diplomatic strategy, contrasting with the U.S. approach. Despite past inaction on the Ukraine conflict, Chinese officials emphasized support for Europe’s role in peace talks. China remains committed to purchasing Russian oil, signaling continued collaboration with Russia. Additionally, China’s growing interest in Africa reflects its ambition to shape global influence. Observers speculate on China’s potential to fill gaps left by reduced U.S. aid, particularly in the Global South.
China’s Diplomatic Maneuvering at the Munich Security Conference
At the recent Munich Security Conference, China managed to gain diplomatic traction, contrasting sharply with the approach taken by the United States. Many observers are left wondering whether this was merely a charm offensive or if substantial actions might emerge from it.
Two years prior, Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, introduced a plan regarding the Ukraine conflict that was viewed as a potential peace initiative. However, this proposal failed to yield any significant results in terms of reducing the violence in Europe.
China’s Position on Russian Oil and Future Cooperation
This year, the Chinese Foreign Minister also took the stage in Munich. Christoph Heusgen, the head of the security conference, expressed hope that China could leverage its position by reducing its purchase of Russian oil. Wang’s response was unequivocal: “If we stopped buying oil from Russia, which country could provide enough to meet our needs? We have a duty to our people.”
Going forward, it appears that China and Russia will continue to strengthen their collaborative efforts. CDU foreign policy member Norbert Röttgen noted that Wang Yi was likely aware of the challenging reception he faced at the conference, especially in light of US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks. Nonetheless, Wang maintained a diplomatic demeanor.
Reports from the South China Morning Post indicated that the Ukrainian delegation is counting on China’s influence as a key ally of Russia. This highlights Ukraine’s economic significance to China, particularly as a major supplier of agricultural products and a market for technology, including drone innovations.
According to Xu Qinduo, a moderator for Chinese state television CGTN, the security conference was a diplomatic win for China. He remarked that the Chinese government has become more attuned to the security concerns of Europe, which were previously difficult for them to understand. He emphasized the need for Europe to remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine despite pressures from the United States.
During the conference, Wang assured EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas of China’s support for a significant European role in peace negotiations. This stands in stark contrast to the US’s signals suggesting that Europe may not have a place at the negotiating table, potentially giving China a strategic advantage.
However, the prospect of Beijing playing a genuinely constructive role in the Ukraine conflict remains uncertain, as concrete actions have yet to materialize from their previous announcements. Additionally, it is unclear if China will engage with the EU to address sanctions related to the pricing of electric vehicles manufactured in China, a contentious issue between Brussels and Beijing.
China’s ambitions extend beyond Europe, as evidenced by its ongoing disputes with neighbors like the Philippines over South China Sea rights. During the conference, Fu Ying, a former deputy foreign minister, took a firm stance on these issues.
The conference also revealed China’s shifting focus toward Africa, where leaders like former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Touré view China as a model for development. With aspirations to industrialize the continent, Touré stated, “We want to collaborate on industrialization rather than repeat the past, where resources were extracted and left behind.”
Despite past criticisms of Chinese projects in Africa, a new generation of African leaders is emerging, well aware of the continent’s value to China. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, questions arise about the ambitions of China, Russia, and the USA in shaping global influence.
As the Trump administration previously reduced American development aid, there are inquiries about whether China will step in to fill that gap. Professor Yao Yang from Peking University acknowledged the need for China to advocate for its political system while prioritizing national interests. Meanwhile, Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization, expressed confidence in China’s new AI models, which are gaining traction in the Global South.
Mikko Huotari from the Merics think tank in Berlin echoed similar sentiments, stating that while Chinese AI may be unattractive to G7 nations, its free availability in the Global South positions it for success in those regions.
This analysis was originally reported by Inforadio on February 16, 2025, at 4:03 PM.