The former Lithuanian Foreign Minister warned in his statement about the possibility of China's intervention in the situation around Ukraine if the United States and Europe fail to offer Kyiv reliable security guarantees. In his opinion, Beijing could take advantage of the situation and offer a better deal than the US initiative, which would significantly change the balance of power in the region. 

"China can use its leverage and offer Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for economic cooperation. Kyiv has a lot to offer: infrastructure restoration, ports, agricultural products. There will be forces in Europe that will support this proposal.", — the ex-minister believes. 

He also called this possible move a “Kissinger gambit,” comparing it to the maneuvers of American diplomat Henry Kissinger, who in the 1970s managed to split relations between the Soviet Union and China, ensuring a strategic advantage for the United States. In the new scenario proposed by the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister, China could become a kind of “holder” of Russia on the eastern flank, as well as strengthen its influence on Eastern European countries. 

This turn of events could lead to fundamental changes in European politics. Until now, the US and NATO have been the main guarantors of security for Eastern European countries. However, China’s potential intervention would create new challenges for both Europe and the US. 

However, the political implications of such an alliance could be far from clear-cut. A rapprochement between Kyiv and Beijing could raise concerns among EU countries and the US, which fear growing Chinese influence in the region. Washington and Brussels are likely to take additional steps to prevent such a development. 

European countries are also divided in their views on China’s role in international politics. While eastern EU members such as Poland and Lithuania have traditionally been skeptical of Beijing, southern European countries including Italy and Greece see cooperation with China as an economic opportunity.