Von der Leyen warns China that giving arms to Russia would “damage” its relationship with the EU

Few concrete advances in the meeting of Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen with the Chinese president held this Thursday in Beijing. The two sides have basically limited themselves to repeating their already known positions. European leaders have called on Xi Jinping to use his influence over Vladimir Putin to promote a “just peace” in Ukraine, while respecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The president of the Commission has also warned Xi that sending weapons to Russia “would significantly harm” relations between the EU and China. Von der Leyen asks the Chinese president to speak personally with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodimir Zelensky, to learn first-hand his perspective on the war.

In fact, the only concrete commitment that the president has ripped Xi off is to get in touch with Zelensky, that yes, “when the conditions and the moment are the suitable ones”. “It is a positive element,” said the German at a press conference at the end of her meeting in the Chinese capital.

[Misión conjunta de Von der Leyen y Macron en Pekín para frenar el apoyo de China a Rusia]

“China’s position (on the war in Ukraine) is crucial for the European Union. As a member of the Security Council it has a great responsibility. And We hope that China will play its role and promote a just peace.a peace that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”, insisted the president of the Commission.

In his meetings with Xi (one bilateral and the other three with Macron), Von der Leyen has reiterated his support for Zelenski’s peace plan. But also has recognized some positive elements of China’s peace planin particular the rejection of any type of use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

“We hope that China does not provide any kind of military equipment, directly or indirectly, to Russia. Because we all know that arming the aggressor goes against international law and would significantly harm our relationship,” the president stressed.

In economic matters, Von der Leyen complains about the relationship between the EU and China “is increasingly unbalanced”, as evidenced by the fact that the trade deficit has tripled in the last 10 years. The Government of Beijing imposes “unfair” restrictions on Europeans in sectors such as pharmaceuticals or agri-food, which contrasts with the equal conditions for Chinese producers in the single market, it has denounced.

“Some call for disengaging from China. I doubt that this is a viable or desirable strategy.. We have to focus on reducing risks”, declared the President of the Commission. Risks that are concentrated in specific sectors such as emerging technologies. However, these problems must be resolved “through dialogue and diplomacy”, she has defended .

Von der Leyen has also criticized the deteriorating human rights situation in China. And he has pointed out that the only area of ​​full convergence between Brussels and Beijing right now is the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity.