Closer Look: Ukrainian Crisis Presents Diplomatic Opportunity to China

(Beijing) – China is far from being a central character in the Ukrainian  drama. Still, it has the potential to become an important mediator on the global stage between Russia and the West.

China's influence in the past was limited to its vote in the UN Security Council, but since the start of the crisis in Crimea all parties are vying for its support. President Xi Jinping has carried out intensive "telephone diplomacy" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Barack Obama.