Ukraine peace plan must address conflict's root causes: German expert

Helga Zepp-Larouche, president and founder of German think tank Schiller Institute, emphasized that any "peace plan" for the Russia-Ukraine conflict must give profound consideration to the root causes of the conflict.

A U.S.-proposed 28-point "peace plan" was unveiled on Nov 20. Following its release, representatives from the United States, Ukraine and several European countries met in Geneva on Nov 23 to discuss the plan. Through discussions, the revised plan has been cut down to 19 points but not been made public, marking the latest shift in the ongoing diplomatic push to end the four-year-old war.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Zepp-Larouche identified the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the fundamental cause triggering the conflict.

"Many people are well aware that Russia-Ukraine conflict is a consequence of NATO's eastward expansion and its deployment of offensive weapon systems around Russia. Russia's early warning time could be as short as five minutes. Russia has repeatedly stated this. From the perspective of Russia's national security, this is unacceptable," said Zepp-Larouche.

She said that the outbreak of the conflict involves profound factors including geopolitics, security concerns, and historical and cultural identity. NATO's eastward expansion, gradually approaching Russia, has intensified Russia's security apprehensions, particularly given NATO's actions in regions like the Middle East over recent decades that have plunged many countries into turmoil.

"Although NATO claims its original intention was peaceful, after the military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya and other countries, NATO's so-called 'peaceful conduct' becomes untenable," Zepp-Larouche said.

Zepp-Larouche said that Europe needs to change its mindset and resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomatic channels, rather than continuously increasing military and financial support to Ukraine as is currently happening, which does not contribute to conflict resolution.

"Overall, I think we need to achieve a transformation in the way of thinking in Europe, because wherever you look, whether it's Venezuela, the Middle East, or Ukraine, all these conflicts would become much easier to resolve if Western countries could change their mindset, turn to cooperation with Global South countries and the global majority, and return to diplomacy," she said.

Ukraine peace plan must address conflict's root causes: German expert

Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.

Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.

Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.

Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.

"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.

Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.

"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.

These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.

In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism