Ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a peaceful way is also in the best interest of China, which can play an instrumental role in meditating talks when the time is ripe, an analyst told China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has paid a visit to China from July 23 to 26 and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday in the southern city of Guangzhou. Kuleba called for rational and substantive negotiations with the Russian side to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Speaking in the interview in Shanghai, Joseph Gregory Mahoney, a politics and international relations professor at East China Normal University, shared his view on Kuleba's visit and China's role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Although both Russia and Ukraine accept the idea of negotiations, the two sides are at odds over some "preconditions." While acknowledging that China can play a role as a peacemaker, Mahoney noted that the conditions for peace are not ripe.
"I'm sure that China would be willing to play the role of mediator if both sides were willing to accept that and it's possible to envision. It is a very complicated situation. The time is not yet ripe on the preconditions that Kiev has put on the table are still sort of a non-starter for Russia. So there's still a bit of division there. But I think that we're getting closer and closer to the moment when that fruit will be ripe, and I think China will be there to help pick it," said the professor.
The West has been heaping pressure on China over its deepening ties with Russia. When asked whether there's a potential conflict of interests as China engages with Ukraine, Mahoney stressed that a peace deal is also in China's interest since the United States is seeking to use the war in Ukraine to isolate China from European countries.
"As Kuleba pointed out, Ukraine has a strategic partnership with China as well. As Wang Yi pointed out, Ukraine was an early supporter of the BRI, and I think that it's clear that China has suffered tremendously from this conflict in so much as the U.S. has been able to weaponize it to undermine China's positive relations with Europe. So I think finding a solution here is something that's really in China's best interest. I think Ukraine understands that, and maybe this is why we're going to move forward," he said.
China plays instrumental role in promoting solution to Ukraine crisis: analyst
Known primarily for its coal production, the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province is undergoing a cultural transformation. As part of China's booming concert economy, Taiyuan is actively seeking to provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.
Local authorities are supporting businesses in capitalizing on the growing demand for immersive concert experiences.
Taiyuan has implemented innovative initiatives. The city offers free public transportation for concert attendees, including bus and subway rides, both during the concert period and for three days before and after the event .
Taiyuan's commitment to creating a vibrant concert atmosphere is evident throughout the city. Giant banners and posters promote upcoming events, while various support activities further enhance the experience.
At a recent concert, a CGTN correspondent witnessed the city's dedication to providing a memorable experience. Each fan was greeted with a personalized souvenir bag filled with local specialties. Additionally, a captivating drone performance delighted the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
"We have both also been to several concerts before. But this is the first time we've enjoyed various perks. Some shops are offering free merchandise. There are shuttle buses. The concert ticket also provides free admission to other local attractions. I think it is really nice," a concertgoer said.
"I have attended several concerts in Taiyuan where I have had really great experiences," another concert fan said.
Taiyuan's thoughtful initiatives have not only delighted concertgoers but also stimulated the city's consumer activity.
"From April to September, Taiyuan hosted more than 10 concerts. We could feel the enthusiasm of the fans at each event. There was a noticeable increase in hotel bookings as well," said Ma Shuting, marketing manager of a local hotel.
The concert period has also boosted the street-stall economy. The area around the venue has been transformed into a vibrant marketplace, with hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services, from snacks and concert merchandise to beauty treatments.
"Business is doing quite well because there are many people coming from both out of town and locally. The daily revenue is approximately between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan (about 282 to 423 U.S. dollars)," a vendor told CGTN.
To solidify its position as a leading performing arts center in Northern China, the local government has made a significant commitment to fostering the concert economy.
"All 11 government departments in Taiyuan have jointly introduced several measures to support the development of the concert economy. For concert organizers in Taiyuan that meet the criteria, subsidies ranging from 150,000 yuan to 800,000 yuan (about 21,200 to 113,000 U.S. dollars) will be provided. Additionally, the city government has also established a special task force to ensure the smooth running of large-scale concerts," said Liu Rui, deputy director of the Taiyuan Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The concert economy holds immense potential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the impact of Taylor Swift and Coldplay concerts on Singapore's GDP, which was boosted by around 0.25 percent.
Taiyuan is positioning itself as a major player in the concert industry, with over 30 concerts scheduled for this year alone. These events are expected to attract nearly 800,000 fans and generate tens of billions of yuan in consumer spending.
The city's commitment to the concert economy reflects its proactive pursuit of new growth drivers. This not only boosts consumption in the culture and tourism sector but also contributes to the broader economic transition toward high-quality growth.
Taiyuan's thriving concert economy boosts cultural, tourism growth
