The President of France calls for “shared responsibility for peace” while in China.
On April 5, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, he intends to “bring China towards a mutual understanding for peace” in Ukraine.
Before their talks on Thursday, French officials said Mr. Macron expected to persuade Mr. Xi to use Beijing’s influence with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but they didn’t anticipate a significant change in the Chinese position.
“Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission” is accompanying Mr. Macron as a sign of European unanimity in relations with Beijing.
Before Russia’s war on Ukraine in February 2022, Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin said their governments enjoyed a “no-limits relationship.” In an effort to appear impartial and avoid criticising the Kremlin, Beijing has called for a cease-fire and peace negotiations.
Mr. Macron declared in a speech to French citizens living in China that he would “attempt to develop and somehow engage China towards a mutual accountability for stability and peace on global challenges,” such as North Korea, Iran, and the Ukraine.
According to both parties, the leadership of Mr. Xi views Russia as an energy supplier and ally in the fight against US hegemony over the world.
Russian oil and gas are mostly purchased by China, which supports the Kremlin’s financial position in the face of Western sanctions. This strengthens Chinese influence, but Mr. Xi doesn’t seem eager to endanger their alliance by putting pressure on Putin.
Mr. Macron referred to Mr. Putin’s declaration that Moscow intended to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a move that Beijing opposes.
In Mr. Macron’s words, upholding these ideas “means moving forward together and attempting to find a route for peace.” Notwithstanding France’s disagreement with several aspects of China’s February peace plan, he pointed out that the proposal “shows a will to commit” towards the resolution of the conflict.
Also, according to Macron, “many important deals” between French and Chinese businesses are expected to be concluded during the visit. He was escorted by more than 50 French CEOs, including representatives from Alstom, Airbus and the energy behemoth EDF.
A French official stated last week that talks on a prospective agreement with Airbus were ongoing and that it would be added to China’s 2019 order for 300 aircraft.
In regards to climate change, Mr. Macron declared he would strive for “partnering” with China. China should participate in these efforts, he said, adding that France will host a “global conference on ocean protection” in 2025.
About The Author
