China’s peace diplomacy sets example for world

While China enjoys a harmonious and strategic relationship with Russia, it remains committed to its principle of non-interference.

Moreover, its neutral and non-confrontational position allows China to define its own view of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which was outlined in an official document in February titled: China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis" released in February.

In March, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the Chinese leader's first state visit following the 20th National Congress.

The meeting came one year into the Russia-Ukraine crisis, leading many to speculate on the potential dynamics the deepened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination between the two countries might bring into the ongoing crisis.

In early April, President Xi received a French delegation led by President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing as the latter paid his first state visit to China in three years.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's presence was short and quiet compared to Macron's high-profile visit. This somehow reflects the fact that the European Union and its members states — particularly those with an aspiration of strategic autonomy — do not always align with each other.

Read more: Leaving Paris in flames, Macron heads to Beijing

Before the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2019, I had the chance to visit Europe and held several conversations with relevant fellows in Europe. In particular, I raised the policy concept of "strategic autonomy" in our conversations and pitched questions on how the policy concept should be understood.

Importance of strategic autonomy

The conversations reinforced my belief that the pursuit of strategic autonomy is something fundamental. It is embedded in a state's DNA.  The pursuit of strategic autonomy of a state is dependent on how it strategically positions itself in the overall international landscape to serve its needs.

This explains why the concept of strategic autonomy has been evolving in the past decade within the EU and has only been revived now by President Macron who publicly called to build strategic autonomy on his way back to France after his state visit to China.

It seems like an opportune time for a leading European state like France to seriously pursue strategic autonomy. The Ukraine crisis — which is Europe's most significant geopolitical challenge at the moment — could make Europe stronger and more inclusive.

Read more: It's a brave new world for China, Russia and Europe

Though President von der Leyen seems to see China's role in resolving the Ukraine crisis as only supplementary, President Macron seemed to be envisioning a bigger China role in the process.

While China will allow European states to reach their own consensus, it remains committed to being a constructive and pragmatic player. A resolution to the Ukraine conflict needs China, but also needs more than just China.

-Becky Shen, CEO, BP Solutions Ltd, a Chinese consulting firm that provides solutions to enterprises participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)