Should the Chinese step into the peace process, either as a principal intermediary or through Pakistan, they could carry considerable weight.

NPR: Eyeing Rich Bounty, China In Line For Afghan Role

"We are calling for the extradition of the murder suspect back to Canada as soon as possible in order to bring justice and peace to our family, the Chinese community and the whole society, " they said.

CNN: Dismemberment victim's family recalls his 'love of life'

Third, the Chinese may expect that movement on their part toward peace in Cambodia will benefit them materially in their relations with the United States and other Western states.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Giving Peace A Chance In Cambodia: A Primer For US Policy

"What China needs to do now, as well as call for peace-keeping, is to evacuate its Chinese firms, " he adds.

BBC: China media: North Korea speculation

Not to be outdone, the Russians and the Chinese, meeting in Beijing, issued a proposal for a regional peace conference that would include all the major players in Syria's neighborhood, most especially Iran and Turkey.

CNN: The only glimmer of hope for Syria

Chinese experts are generally divided on how far Beijing can independently mediate a peace deal on its own without international co-operation.

BBC: China media: Middle East mediation

From 1996 to 1998, I had served as an English instructor with the Peace Corps in a small city called Fuling, where I also studied Chinese.

NPR: An Outstanding Name for an Outstanding Student

However, Mr Hua and many other Chinese experts stress that the focus of the visits is on bilateral trade and investment rather than Beijing brokering a peace deal.

BBC: China media: Fake food scandals