Xi, Macron call for early resumption of peace talks in Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron called on the international community to work to resume peace talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine as soon as possible.

As reported by Kyodo News, Xi stressed the need to maintain rationality and exercise restraint to avoid actions that further aggravate the Ukrainian crisis.

The Chinese leader also stated at the press conference that the “solemn promise” not to use nuclear weapons or wage nuclear wars should be seriously implemented.

Xi said that “the legitimate security concerns of all parties” must be taken into account when seeking a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.

At the start of talks with Xi, Macron said he hoped Xi would “bring Russia back to reason and everyone back to the negotiating table.”

Emmanuel Macron arrives in Beijing on a state visit

China maintains close ties with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022. On the first anniversary of the invasion, Beijing, in a position paper, sought a general ceasefire but did not call for a withdrawal of Russian troops from the country. neighbor.

The French president is on a three-day trip to China, his first visit since November 2019.

Xi said in his opening remarks that China and France, as major countries with a tradition of independent policy-making, have “the ability and responsibility to rise above differences and obstacles” at a time when “the world is undergoing a profound historical transformation,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese leader also said Macron’s visit will “inject new momentum and bring new vitality to China-Europe relations.” Beijing has been keen to deepen cooperation with European countries amid its intensifying rivalry with the United States.

Later, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined Xi and Macron in a three-way summit. The French presidential office had said that she was invited to show European unity towards developing cooperation with China in a balanced way.