Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron They had a common goal in their visit to Beijing this Thursday: to convince President Xi Jinping to use his influence over Vladimir Putin to force a withdrawal of Russian troops from the Ukraine. But their joint mission in the Chinese capital has ended in failure.. Xi has not wanted to publicly commit to putting pressure on Russia and has advocated a “political solution” that “takes into account the legitimate security concerns of the parties.” A reference to Moscow’s arguments to justify the war.
After the meetings (two bilateral meetings between Xi and Macron and then with Von der Leyen and a three-way meeting), the two sides have basically limited themselves to repeating their positions already known. ANDThe only concrete commitment that the president has wrested from Xi is to speak with the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelensky, to know first-hand his point of view on the conflict. Of course, with one important caveat: the Chinese president will do so “when the conditions and the time are right.” Even so, the German considers that it is “a positive element”.
“I know I can count on you to make Russia see reason. and that everyone return to the negotiating table”, Macron said in a display of voluntarism upon his arrival at the meeting with Xi. Subsequently, the spokesmen for the Élysée Palace have leaked that the Chinese president had expressed his willingness to work for a just peace in Ukraine But neither the Chinese president in his public statements nor his spokesmen have confirmed this version.
[Misión conjunta de Von der Leyen y Macron en Pekín para frenar el apoyo de China a Rusia]
“On the Ukrainian crisis, China always supports peace negotiations and a political solution. Together with France, we appeal to the international community to maintain rationality and containment and refrain from any act that leads to further deterioration or even to a loss of control of the crisis“, Xi has said in a long appearance without questions with Macron.
“We ask to relaunch the peace negotiations as soon as possible, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of the different parties in accordance with the principles of the United Nations charter, seek a political solution and build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture”, continued the Chinese president, who at no time in his speech did he mention Russia or Putin.
In any case, China demands that international humanitarian law be “scrupulously” complied with, avoiding attacks against civilians or civilian installations. In addition, Xi has demanded “to respect the solemn commitment according to which Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear war must not be waged.” and that no chemical or biological weapons be used.
In his subsequent speech, Macron has insisted that Russia is responsible for the war and that is why Putin must be required to respect the principles that China defends. “What we need is a demanding discussion with Russia so that it respects those principles that you have raised and defend. We want not just an end to the conflict, but respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These are the conditions for a sustainable peace,” the French president snapped at Xi, without receiving a response.
[Von der Leyen avisa a China de que dar armas a Rusia “dañaría” su relación con la UE]
Of course, the Chinese president has called on European leaders to distance themselves from the position of the United States, which is much tougher towards Beijing. “China views Europe as an independent pole in a multipolar world and supports their efforts to achieve strategic autonomy. Sino-European relations do not depend on any third party or submit to any third party,” he said, without citing Washington of course.
Is China trying to drive a wedge between the EU and the US? Von der Leyen has been asked. “Transatlantic ties are strong, they are based on friendship and shared values. That is unbreakable”, the president replied.
“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.