France is ramping up diplomatic efforts to urge China to exert pressure on its close ally, Russia.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne stated the need of China sending “clear messages” to Russia regarding its actions in Ukraine during recent meetings with Chinese officials in Beijing.
France has emerged as a strong supporter of Ukraine, with President Emmanuel Macron even contemplating the deployment of troops to the region. In contrast, China has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, drawing criticism for its reluctance to openly condemn Moscow’s offensive.
Despite the deepening ties between France and China in recent years, Paris has persistently pressed Beijing on its growing relationship with Moscow, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. Sejourne reiterated France’s unwavering commitment to engaging in dialogue with China on critical international issues, emphasizing the imperative of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and adhering to international law.
During his visit to Beijing, Sejourne engaged in extensive discussions with top Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, addressing pressing global concerns such as the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. Li expressed satisfaction in hosting the French minister, underscoring the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.
France’s diplomatic overtures towards China come at a pivotal juncture as the European Union seeks to mitigate its dependence on Chinese markets, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the EU advocates for economic “derisking” rather than complete “decoupling” from China, French officials stress the necessity for a balanced and sustainable approach to trade relations.
Both Sejourne and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the significance of collaboration between Europe and China, rejecting the notion of decoupling and reaffirming their status as partners rather than adversaries.
