China seeks a role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction

Beijing would like to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, China’s foreign aid and international development agency announced on Monday.

The country would help “in accordance with the wishes of the parties”, Li Ming, a spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, also known as China Aid, told reporters.

“China is willing to continue to provide assistance to the best of our ability, which also includes participation in the future reconstruction of Ukraine,” Li added.

Li was responding to a question about remarks last month by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion that China “could help” in restoring peace and reconstruction.

Talks about the post-war arrangements have increased as US President Donald Trump pushes for an end to the war. Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone on Tuesday to discuss a 30-day ceasefire, after reaching an agreement with Ukraine last week.

The total cost of recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine over the next decade is estimated at US$524 billion; Kyiv, with the support of international partners and the private sector, has so far paid out US$13 billion in recovery needs, according to a joint report by the Ukrainian government, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the United Nations.