China Reaches Out to Ukraine as Balance of Power Shifts

Ukrainian President Zelensky spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.
China hopes to boost its reputation as a peacemaker by sending a representative to Ukraine to resolve the crisis.
China has become an economic lifeline for Russia, buying oil and gas and trading with sanctioned companies.
Ukraine is wary of China's role, noting China's peace plan aligned with Moscow and would allow Russia to remain in Ukraine.
China may be an economic partner for Ukraine but is far from a perfect mediator due to ties to Russia and antagonism toward the West.