Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for peace talks on Ukraine after French President Emmanuel Macron urged him to “reason with Russia”.
However, the Chinese leader made no indication that Beijing would use its influence as Putin’s diplomatic partner to reach a settlement of the conflict.
Xi Jinping did not say China, which had declared a “boundless friendship” with Moscow even before last year’s invasion, changed its position after calling for peace talks in February.
“Peace talks must resume as soon as possible,” Xi said, urging other governments to avoid moves that could “aggravate the crisis or even spiral it out of control.”
Beijing, which sees Moscow as a partner in resisting US domination in world affairs, is trying to appear neutral in the conflict while providing diplomatic support for Putin and echoing Russia’s arguments that justified the invasion of February 2022.
In March, Xi Jinping received a lavish welcome in Moscow, lending political support to the isolated Russian president.
The Chinese leader said the “legitimate security interests of all parties” must be taken into account, alluding to Moscow’s argument that it invaded Ukraine because of NATO’s expansion towards ballast.
Earlier during the talks, Macron urged Xi Jinping “to reason with Russia and bring everyone back to the negotiating table”.
Macron came to Beijing with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meant to symbolize European unity.
Von der Leyen said she urged Xi Jinping to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and that the Chinese leader “confirmed his willingness to have such a conversation when the conditions and time are right.”
“I think that’s a positive thing,” von der Leyen said.
China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, which helps keep Kremlin revenues under Western sanctions.
This strengthens China’s influence, but Xi Jinping does not seem to want this partnership compromised by pressure on Putin.
“China has always adhered to an objective and fair position on the issue of the Ukraine crisis,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “We are in favor of a political settlement and peace talks.”
The French and Chinese governments have announced a number of agreements, including the purchase of 160 Airbus aircraft by a Chinese leasing company and cooperation in nuclear, solar, wind and biofuel energy.
