The leader of the Left party (Die Linke), Jan van Aken, has urged CDU leader Friedrich Merz to prioritize serious peace negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine, even if it necessitates a strengthening of China’s geopolitical standing.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, van Aken emphasized the necessity of engaging with potentially uncomfortable actors in the pursuit of peaceful resolutions, citing his years of experience in peace research. He argued that Mr. Merz should actively pursue collaborative negotiations with China, suggesting a more proactive stance, such as regular appearances in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to initiate discussions. Van Aken implied that current geopolitical considerations appear to outweigh the urgency of achieving peace in Ukraine.
While acknowledging Mr. Merz’s earlier visit to Kyiv with leaders from Poland, France and the United Kingdom – a gesture he described as “a good step” – van Aken suggested that Mr. Merz has yet to fully grasp his leadership role. The comments reflect a growing debate surrounding potential pathways to de-escalation and the role of external powers in resolving the ongoing crisis.