From French President Emmanuel Macron’s point of view, China can play a “bigger role” in the path to a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war. At the start of his talks with China’s leadership today, a meeting with new premier Li Qiang was on the agenda.
Portal/Thibault Camus
Later, Macron wanted to hold bilateral talks with head of state and party leader Xi Jinping and a three-way round with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The focus is on the Ukraine war and the poor relations between China and the EU. In the war discussion, he wanted to try to “engage China in terms of shared responsibility for peace and stability,” Macron said in a speech at the US embassy last night. He referred to the close ties between China and Russia.
“Interesting” position paper
China reaffirmed compliance with the UN Charter, which includes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of each country. “Defending them also means moving forward together and trying to find a path to peace.”
Macron also referred to the Chinese position paper on the war in Ukraine presented in February: “Do we fully agree with this? No, but it’s interesting,” Macron said. “It shows his willingness to commit to resolving the conflict.”
The 12-point document calls for a ceasefire and the resumption of talks. However, it was critically received internationally because it did not show initiative to resolve the conflict, did not condemn the invasion, and also reflected Russian arguments with criticism of the West.