The leader of the German Left party, Jan van Aken, has publicly urged CDU leader Friedrich Merz to prioritize peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, even if it necessitates an elevation of China’s role in international diplomacy.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, van Aken emphasized that achieving lasting peace often requires engagement with actors who may not be universally favored. He stated that successful peace agreements demand dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders.
Van Aken suggested that Merz should actively pursue facilitating joint negotiations with China, a proposal he felt the CDU leader had thus far avoided. He implied that a reluctance to engage with China stemmed from a perceived conflict of interest, prioritizing geopolitical considerations over the pursuit of peace in Ukraine.
While acknowledging Merz’s initial actions, including visits to Kyiv alongside leaders from Poland, France and the United Kingdom, van Aken expressed concerns regarding the overall approach. He suggested that Merz has yet to fully embrace the responsibilities associated with his leadership position.