France and EU Exerting Pressure on China Regarding Relations with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have jointly called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to restrict his country’s collaboration with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Macron emphasized the critical nature of coordinating with Beijing on significant global issues such as Ukraine and the Middle East during trilateral discussions at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

The primary objective of the meeting is to articulate shared viewpoints and apprehensions, aiming to address them effectively as the future of the continent hinges on fostering balanced relations with China, as stated by Macron.

Xi, in his opening statements, highlighted the necessity for China and Europe, as two influential forces in the world, to continually contribute to global peace and development during the current period of global uncertainty and transformation.

Beijing approaches its relationship with the EU from a strategic and long-term standpoint, with the hope that mutual cooperation will lead to prosperity for both sides, as expressed by Xi, who is also scheduled to visit Hungary and Serbia as part of his European tour.

Following a meeting, Von der Leyen emphasized during a media briefing that Brussels and Paris are relying on Beijing to exert its influence on Russia in order to bring an end to the conflict with Ukraine. She also mentioned that she and Macron encouraged Xi to take additional steps to restrict the supply of dual-use equipment to Russia.

The United States and its European partners have raised concerns about Chinese-manufactured components such as circuitry, aircraft parts, and machinery contributing to the enhancement of Moscow’s military capabilities.

During a visit to Beijing in April, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that Washington was prepared to impose further sanctions on China if it continued to provide dual-use items to Russia.

Despite these warnings, the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended its right to engage in economic cooperation with Russia and other nations without external interference.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov highlighted the strong partnership between Beijing and Moscow, indicating that the relationship between the two countries would continue to strengthen.

In an article published in the French newspaper Le Figaro, Xi emphasized that China was not directly involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but expressed willingness to collaborate with the global community to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.