French President Emmanuel Macron (right) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to a state dinner commemorating his visit at the Elysée Palace on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Paris, France. Xi Jinping called on France to help “Chinese President Xi Jinping avoid…” A “new Cold War” has begun as the EU increasingly aligns with US concerns about security risks and trade tensions.
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Chinese President Xi Jingping on Monday called for a global truce during this summer's Paris Olympics, after the French president and European Commission president called for leverage against Russia to end the war in Ukraine. I called out.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Chinese leader's first visit to Europe in five years, meeting with him and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paris and seeking to present a united front on issues ranging from trade to Ukraine. Ta.
China has strengthened its trade and military ties with Russia in recent years, as the United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on both countries, particularly against Moscow, since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to Chinese customs data, trade between China and Russia in 2023 hit a record high of $240.1 billion, an increase of 26.3% from the previous year. Shipments from China to Russia increased by 46.9% in 2023, and imports from Russia increased by 13%.
Speaking with President Macron through an interpreter, President Xi said, “Today's world is by no means peaceful. China, as a member of the United Nations Security Council and as a responsible country, calls on France to establish a global truce during the Paris Olympics.'' said. In a joint statement.
Suspending armed conflicts under the “Olympic Truce” is a long-standing tradition, and President Macron announced that the Summer Olympics will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympics will be held until the end of August. He stated that he would make efforts to realize this goal.
French officials said Mr. Xi's support was a sign that Mr. Xi could use his influence to persuade Russia to a ceasefire when President Vladimir Putin visits China later this month. I hope so.
Their hope is that a small ceasefire will open the door to broader diplomacy.
“I wanted to explain the implications of this conflict for European security and our determination to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” Macron said, adding that Paris had no intention of changing Moscow's regime.
President Macron said he hoped Putin's visit to China would help assess prospects for peace.
Xi has said he supports an international peace conference backed by Russia and Ukraine, but appears lukewarm about the June 16 peace conference to be hosted by Switzerland and to which Moscow is not invited.
“We oppose using this crisis to shift responsibility onto third countries, tarnish their image and incite a new Cold War.”
“History shows that conflicts can only be resolved through negotiation.”
Fighting on Ukraine's eastern front has worsened in recent weeks as Kiev's forces await critical military aid from the United States and Europe to repel Russian advances. Russia has previously been lukewarm about the ceasefire, saying Ukraine could use it as an opportunity to rally and rearm.
Beyond financial ties, Western countries are particularly concerned that Beijing could provide weapons to Moscow and circumvent existing sanctions on materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Mr. Macron said he was encouraged by Mr. Xi's commitment on this issue.
Both European leaders told Mr. Xi that they are determined to continue supporting Ukraine despite the country's current difficulties, and that Western countries are not prepared to abandon Kiev and that the conflict may be prolonged. He was keen to emphasize the need for the Chinese government to recognize that the
“I hope that China will use all its leverage against Russia to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,” von der Leyen told reporters after a tripartite meeting at the Elysée Palace in Paris. he said.
Western countries have been trying to persuade China not to provide military aid to Russia for more than a year.
French diplomatic sources said Xi had made it clear that China had no intention of supplying arms to Moscow and was prepared to consider the issue of dual-use materials that could enable Russia to wage war.
They said they now need to see whether the promises translate into action. The EU is currently discussing possible sanctions against some Chinese companies.