Now the Chinese president-for-life has his eye on a China-brokered deal in Ukraine

It's reported that Xi Zinping is now fixing to speak to Zelensky following his planned visit to Russia next week to see his strategic partner Vladimir Putin. It's clear what he is up to. Having successfully brokered a renewal of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Chinese president-for-life is intent on masterminding a peace deal in Ukraine, acting as intermediary between Putin and Zelensky who are definitely not on speaking terms. Elected into office for a third term, Xi is going to get his fingers into every pie. He will see the next two years as A Great Moment for Chinese diplomacy/coercion/advancement. What with doubts over Joe Biden carrying on as president because of his age, it will be seen in Beijng as a time to intervene intervene intervene. If Xi can broker a peace deal in Ukraine, it would be a mighty slap in the face to Biden. Putin is never going to negotiate anything with Zelensky, so an intermediary like Xi could do his dirty work for him, pressurise Zelensky to give up any hopes of recovering Crimea and eastern Donbas in return for a massive injection of Chinese investment to rebuild Ukraine while keeping Kyiv firmly under Beijing's wing. Oh yes, I can see a huge momentum for a peace settlement in Ukraine on Chinese (and Putin's) terms. Republicans in the US might even secretly approve. If a Republican wins the 2024 presidential election, he or she is not going to want to supply arms and money to Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Putin knows this and so does Xi. So watch out, world, Xi Zinping is on the march.