A conflict of sovereignty and identity in Ukraine has drawn speculation as to China’s role in mediation. Despite the ongoing dilemma, China has remained impartial in the matter, repeatedly appealing to all relevant parties to respect International Law as well as the basic norms governing international relations; Ukraine and Russia must settle the dispute through dialogue to maintain peace in the region.

Following issues in Crimea, the topic of “core national interests” continues to emerge as a critical point in geopolitics. As Stephen Harner explains, it is necessary for the United States to follow China’s lead and define its own core interests. By eliminating any uncertainty over national priorities, both nations can continue seeking “A New Type of Great Power Relations.”

As international tensions increase over Russia’s actions in Crimea, China continues to keep a low profile. Ted Galen Carpenter explains that as China’s leaders exhibit nervous ambivalence over the developments, the United States should not misinterpret this as siding with Western powers.

Following the crisis in Ukraine, Russia-US relations will have to go through a readjustment, relaxation and gradual improvement, writes Yu Sui.

Skillful Chinese diplomacy has managed to transform an initial damage limitation strategy into one that will likely bring benefits to Beijing. China has won praise from both sides of the conflict without suffering any major costs. Although Beijing will not apply sanctions to Moscow for its actions, China has expressed disapproval of the Crimean referendum through its silence—probably the best Washington can hope for.