This article argues that China’s Peace Plan is a diplomatic manoeuvre to bolster its standing amongst so-called Global South states, rather than a document proposing a long-standing and just peace. The paper, therefore, examines the broader implications of the Peace Plan within the context of Beijing’s shift towards a more assertive international stance, contrasting perceptions of the status quo between China and the West, and the PRC’s adoption of a multipolarity narrative, a rise in domestic nationalism, and a new model of major power relations. The article also addresses the challenges faced by Ukrainian diplomacy in engaging with China, emphasising the need for strategic planning to fine-tune the complexities of Sino-Ukrainian relations.