France and the European Commission told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday that they want him to use his influence against Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while stressing the European Union’s unwavering support for Kiev.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Chinese leader on his first trip to Europe in five years, meeting with him and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paris to show a united front on issues ranging from trade to Ukraine.
China has strengthened its trade and military ties with Russia in recent years, as the United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on both countries, particularly against Moscow, since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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According to Chinese customs data, trade between China and Russia in 2023 hit a record high of $240.1 billion, an increase of 26.3% from the previous year. Shipments from China to Russia increased by 46.9% in 2023, and imports from Russia increased by 13%.
Beyond financial ties, Western countries are particularly concerned that Beijing could provide weapons to Moscow and circumvent existing sanctions on materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
“I hope that China will use all its leverage against Russia to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” von der Leyen told reporters after a tripartite meeting at the Elysée Palace in Paris. he said.
On May 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a tripartite meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris as part of the Chinese president’s two-day state visit to France. He will accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping as he departs. (Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes)
President Macron said cooperation with China over Ukraine was “absolutely decisive.”
Fighting on Ukraine’s eastern front has worsened in recent weeks as Kiev’s forces await critical military aid from the United States and Europe to repel Russian advances.
Diplomatic sources say both European leaders are determined to continue supporting Ukraine despite the country’s current difficulties, and that the West is not ready to abandon Kiev and that the conflict could prolong. He was keen to emphasize to President Xi the need for the Chinese government to recognize that China has a strong relationship with China.
For more than a year, Western countries have been trying to persuade China not to provide military aid to Russia.
Diplomatic sources said Mr. Xi had made clear that Beijing had no intention of supplying weapons to Moscow and was willing to consider the issue of dual-use materials that could enable Russia’s war effort.
They said they now need to see whether the promises translate into action. The EU is currently discussing possible sanctions against some Chinese companies.
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According to Chinese state media, Xi said all parties hope for an early ceasefire and restoration of peace in Europe, and hope to avoid further escalation.
State media quoted Xi as saying, “China did not cause the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to it.” “China has been working tirelessly to promote peace negotiations.”
Russian President Vladmir Putin is scheduled to visit China in late May, potentially marking his first overseas trip of his new presidency.
