French President Emmanuel Macron said in Beijing this Thursday that he wants to chart a “common path” with China to achieve peace in Ukraine when he meets with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
French officials have previously said Macron will urge Xi to use his influence with Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote peace in Ukraine, but they do not expect any major changes in China’s position.
Xi and Putin previously declared a “borderless friendship” between their countries on the eve of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Beijing refused to criticize Moscow, but tried to maintain an image of neutrality and called for a ceasefire and peace talks.
Macron said during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang that he wanted to talk about “Ukraine, but also about all the major conflicts and difficult situations in the world”.
“The ability to share a common analysis and build a common path is essential,” he stressed.
Li said there would likely be “broad consensus” between Macron and Xi, but gave no indication whether Beijing would be willing to pressure Moscow to end the war. The meeting “will send positive signals about joint efforts by China, France and Europe to maintain world peace and stability,” he said.
Macron was joined by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in a demonstration of European unity in relations with Beijing.
On Wednesday, he stressed that he wants to “engage China in a shared responsibility for peace” in Ukraine.
The French head of state said he is hopeful that China will “participate in useful initiatives for the Ukrainian people”.
Beijing wants to keep Putin’s government as a viable diplomatic partner to counter the US-led liberal democratic order and a reliable energy supplier.
China’s purchases of Russian oil rose 24% year-on-year in January and February, allowing Russia to overtake Saudi Arabia as the neighboring country’s largest crude oil supplier, according to official data released last month.
This has led to a relationship that analysts see as asymmetric, in favor of China, but Xi seems reluctant to pressure Putin.
NATO’s 31 member states warned on Wednesday of “serious consequences” if China starts sending arms and ammunition to Russia.
Alliance secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said providing “lethal aid” would be a “historic mistake”. He warned there would be “serious consequences” but declined to give details.
Last week, von der Leyen warned that the European Union must be prepared to develop measures to protect trade and investment that China could exploit for its own military and security purposes.
Source: DN
