As he began a three-day visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that China has a “major role” to play in finding a route to peace in Ukraine.
Macron said at a gathering of the French community in Beijing ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. That France would attempt to collaborate with China “in this shared responsibility for peace and stability” in Ukraine.
“China, with its close relationship with Russia, which has been reaffirmed in recent days. Can play a significant role,” he said. Citing Beijing’s stated opposition to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. As well as its peace proposal to Kyiv and Moscow.
The conflict in Ukraine is set to dominate the French president‘s first trip to China in four years. According to an official from his office, who said he would attempt to remain firm in talks with Xi.
Macron’s objectives also include preserving and rebalancing China’s economic relations with Europe. As well as protecting French interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We must not disassociate ourselves from China,” Macron said upon his arrival in Beijing. Adding that France would “commit proactively to continue to have a commercial relationship with China.”
Macron addressed his trip to China and his support for Ukraine with US President Joe Biden on the eve of his visit, according to the White House.
According to Macron’s office, the conversation demonstrated “the common will of France and the United States. To engage the Chinese to accelerate with us the end of the war in Ukraine and build a lasting peace.”
“Common agenda”
The leaders of the US and France also hope to “obtain from the Chinese a contribution to the global effort of North-South solidarity”. And to develop “a common agenda” on climate and biodiversity.
Macron touched down in Beijing around 3:15 p.m. (0715 GMT). Where he was welcomed on the tarmac by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang as soldiers looked on.
On Thursday, he will meet with Xi and other Chinese leaders before attending a state banquet in the evening.
He will travel to Guangzhou in southern China on Friday to meet with local students. Accompanied by a large group of top politicians, business leaders, and even celebrities. Including composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
Macron’s visit overlaps with a contentious meeting on Wednesday in California between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Beijing has stated that it will “closely monitor the situation and vehemently defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition he has warned McCarthy that meeting Tsai would be “playing with fire.”
China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its land, which it intends to seize one day, using force if necessary.
