After Biden did it, in a final act, England also authorizes Ukraine to launch long-range missiles. Moscow responds by attacking Dnipro with intercontinental ballistic missiles. The cover of Politico shows Putin casting a shadow over Europe, a masterstroke that illustrates the panic now leading Swedes to stockpile food and first-aid supplies, anticipating an escalation of the war. With Trump’s election, Olaf Scholz and Lula da Silva turn to a new Messiah: Xi Jinping. The German and Brazilian leaders join in the hope that the Chinese leader might bring clarity to this madness. Let’s hope they are right.
For better or for worse, politics is not made of illusions—much less war. Victims die for real, by the thousands—they don’t come back to life. The guns do not fall silent, neither in Ukraine nor in Palestine; every day they bury even deeper the dream of peace. There is another vision, one of much greater scope: whoever can make peace will gain a following. And in this context, Beijing has a golden opportunity in its crusade to recover its face and global influence.
Let’s get back to reality: why would Xi Jinping do this? For many reasons: there is no need to turn his back on Moscow, quite the opposite; it is precisely the proximity that allows him to negotiate/impose a solution. But also because, in this context, he would force Washington to pressure Israel and ease the trade war; he would gain points in Europe, in the Arab world—and on a global scale. Above all, because the energy of pacification would place China in an undeniable position—not just of respect, but of international leadership. There is no better way to recover the economic globalization, so vital to China, for its own growth and internal pacification. Despite the advantages of the strategic partnership with Russia, Beijing knows well that the crisis it faces is solved with global trade—not just with anti-American neighbors. Lastly, post-war reconstruction is much more than a moral mission—it is a great economic opportunity. And history shows us that those who gain the most from this are those who are at the negotiation table; definitely, those who can bring order to chaos.
This is not the moment to discuss who is more right—or who is more at fault. Everyone has their share. What truly matters is knowing who is heading towards the abyss, and who knows how to stop it. Xi Jinping has a discourse of peaceful globalization, growth, and ambition based on international relations and trade exchanges… the role fits him perfectly. And he has the power to do it; due to what China represents in a multilateral, peaceful, and sustainable economy; and because of its unique influence in the relationship with Putin.
He certainly won’t do it for free. No one will. The art of negotiation is understanding what Ukraine gains, but also Russia; what Palestine gains, but also Israel; what convinces Europe, the United States, the BRICS…
There is much talk about the lack of great world leaders. But today, two names are unavoidable: Trump and Xi Jinping. Whether one likes it or not, it is in their hands to end the war and shift the focus to peace and sustainable economic growth. If this doesn’t happen, everyone loses in the mission to save the planet from the chaos of war and climate change. Lula and Scholz are right: looking at the two empires that are fighting for world leadership, Xi’s discourse is much closer to a solution than Trump’s. Let there be space and vision for the long-term shot: the conquest of peace.
*Director-General of PLATAFORMA
