French President Emmanuel Macron has told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that he is counting on him to “bring Russia to its senses” regarding its war in Ukraine, reports “France Presse”
“I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses and everyone to sit at the negotiating table“, the French head of state addressed Xi during a bilateral meeting in Beijing.
From his side Xi praised China’s relations with France and pointed out that both countries have both the ability and the responsibility to overcome their differences. He added that the world is undergoing “profound changes”which require “restrictions” on all sides.
China is ready to seek a solution to the conflict in Ukraine together with the EU
Beijing expects decisive steps for long-term peace in Europe
The two leaders called for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia “as soon as possible”. They agreed that nuclear weapons should not be used in the war in Ukraine after Russia decided to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Macron and Xi appealed to the international community to avoid the escalation of the current crisis.
In addition, Xi insisted on all sides to comply with nuclear non-proliferation treaties, and Macron noted that security in Europe is not possible while Ukraine remains under occupation. The French president also said that he will discuss North Korea and Iran with Xi.
Yesterday, Macron stressed that Beijing has a “major role” in the peace process in Ukraine.
From Beijing, Macron demanded that China play a major role in peace in Ukraine
The French leader’s three-day visit to China begins
“I am convinced that China plays an important role in building peace. That is what I came to discuss in order to move forward. With President Xi Jinping, we will also talk about our business, climate and biodiversity, as well as food security,” he wrote yesterday, and on Twitter before the talks with the Chinese leader.
Macron is on a three-day visit to China – the first visit by a French president to the Asian country since the fall of 2019. The head of state plans to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and bilateral relations between France and China, especially in the field of economy.
Tomorrow the French leader will travel to Guangzhou in southern China, to meet with local students, and will be accompanied by a wide delegation of senior politicians, business leaders and even celebrities such as composer Jean-Michel Jarre. The official program of Macron’s visit will end on April 7.
Macron and Biden will pressure China to end the war in Ukraine
The French and American presidents spoke by phone before Macron’s visit to Beijing
