Concerns Over Trump’s Proposal for Chinese Peacekeepers in Ukraine
Democratic lawmakers scrutinizing US-China relations have raised alarms about a proposal attributed to former President Trump, suggesting that Chinese troops could act as peacekeepers following a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who serves on the House Selection Committee on the Communist Party of China, labeled the notion “absurd” in a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday.
“Beijing isn’t a neutral party in this conflict. The Chinese government has no genuine interest in defending Ukraine from future Russian aggression. The US must take a definitive stand on this matter. Involving Chinese ‘peacekeeping forces’ is not a viable resolution to the ongoing situation,” he emphasized in his correspondence.
Trump has made the war in Ukraine a focal point for his prospective second term, yet he has made little headway in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire. It seemed that a notable in-person meeting in Alaska last month was starting to ease tensions, though recent actions showed an escalation, with Russian drones violating Polish airspace on Wednesday.
Russia continues to rely heavily on China’s backing to sustain its military efforts. Just days before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they asserted an “unrestricted partnership.” China remains a significant buyer of discounted Russian oil and plays a crucial role in facilitating the production of military equipment in Russia, particularly drones.
On September 3, Xi hosted Putin along with leaders from North Korea during a grand military parade that marked 70 years of the People’s Liberation Army.
“Last week, Xi invited Putin to a display of military might in Beijing, featuring nuclear missiles and marching soldiers,” Krishnamoorthi noted.
At the start of the week, Xi and Putin hailed the “unprecedented level” of their strategic alliance, aspiring toward a new world order reflective of their shared interests and authoritarian ideals.
Krishnamoorthi referred to a Financial Times report indicating Trump had proposed the involvement of Chinese peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky has dismissed, according to Bloomberg, as a potential post-war security guarantor.
“If these reports are correct, this proposal is wholly unacceptable, and I will strongly urge the administration to reject it,” Krishnamoorthi stated.
Trump is looking to foster a steady relationship with Xi as negotiations surrounding a trade deal continue. While he enacted a 20% tariff on China linked to efforts against the fentanyl crisis, discussions about further tariffs remain stalled, with deadlines pushed out to November.
The last communication between Trump and Xi occurred in June, where they extended invitations to visit each other’s countries. Recently, Defense Secretaries Pete Hegseth and Rubio have engaged with their Chinese counterparts, indicating increased prospects for a meeting between Trump and Xi in the near future.
A bipartisan delegation from Congress is slated to visit China later this month, although Krishnamoorthi will not be among the participants.
