China has confirmed receiving an invitation from the United States to join President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” a new international initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, but has stopped short of signaling whether it will participate. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the invitation had been formally conveyed by Washington, adding that Beijing was still assessing the proposal. The initiative, announced by Donald Trump, has been extended to dozens of countries and is framed as a platform for high level mediation on international disputes. Initial reactions from governments have been cautious, with diplomats privately questioning how the body would interact with existing multilateral frameworks. The confirmation comes at a time when China US relations have shown signs of stabilization following recent trade understandings, even as broader strategic differences persist.
According to details shared by U.S. officials, the Board of Peace would initially focus on addressing the conflict in Gaza before expanding to other global flashpoints. The structure of the initiative has drawn attention, with Trump set to chair the board for life and member states offered limited three year terms unless they contribute substantial financial commitments. Critics argue that such a model could sideline established institutions and blur the line between diplomacy and personal leadership. When asked about the proposal’s implications, Chinese officials avoided direct judgment, emphasizing instead the need to carefully evaluate any mechanism claiming a role in conflict resolution. Observers note that Beijing traditionally favors multilateral processes anchored in international law and has been wary of ad hoc arrangements led by individual leaders.
China’s measured response reflects its broader approach to managing ties with Washington during a period of shifting geopolitical priorities. Guo Jiakun said that relations between the two countries have experienced fluctuations over the past year but remain broadly stable, adding that China is willing to work with the United States to further stabilize ties while firmly safeguarding its own interests. The decision on whether to engage with the Board of Peace may therefore be shaped by how Beijing assesses its compatibility with existing diplomatic norms and its potential impact on global governance. As countries weigh the risks and benefits of participation, China’s stance will be closely watched as an indicator of how major powers respond to new U.S. led initiatives outside traditional multilateral structures.
