Macron Urges Xi to Help End Ukrainian War Amid Trade Talks
As French President Emmanuel Macron visited China, he urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to pressure Russia towards peace in Ukraine. Despite Macron's plea, Xi's response was cryptic, suggesting a continued reluctance to intervene more directly in the ongoing conflict.
Background and Context
Macron's three-day state visit to China, focused on trade and diplomacy, comes at a time when the European Union is seeking China's help to end the war in Ukraine. With the focus on investment and trade balance, Macron's visit also sought to address the global trade imbalances which have been described as 'unsustainable' by some quarters.
Macron's Appeal and Xi's Response
According to several sources, including ANSA, The New York Times, and Folha de S.Paulo, Macron asked Xi to help end the War in Ukraine. As La Repubblica reports, despite the focus on business matters, the French president also reiterated his call for Beijing to exert pressure on Moscow. However, Xi's response has been described as 'cold', with the Chinese leader stating that China 'supports all efforts for peace' without committing to any specific action.
Le Monde highlighted that Beijing, which is supporting the Russian war effort by supplying components, refuses to get more involved. This stance seems to remain unchanged despite Macron's fourth appeal to Xi, as mentioned by La Repubblica.
Trade Talks and Cooperation
Apart from the geopolitical issues, Macron's visit also encompassed trade talks with China. Macron urged Xi to help correct the 'unsustainable' global trade imbalances, as reported by Japan Times. Al Jazeera English and The Hindu noted that the talks included China's support for Russia and trade imbalances.
Despite the serious nature of the talks, Al Jazeera English reported a somewhat unusual gesture from the Chinese leader. Xi accompanied Macron to Chengdu, a departure from the usual protocol, which the French leader found 'very touching'.
Implications and Reactions
While Macron's visit and appeal to Xi hold significant implications for the Ukraine crisis, the Chinese leader's non-committal stance suggests uncertainty. CBC News reported the possibility of a peace deal in Ukraine after a week full of leaks and counter proposals, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
On the trade front, the European Union has proposed using frozen Russian assets or borrowing to give Ukraine €90 billion, a move that Russia has warned against, as per Japan Times.
Conclusion
Despite Macron's earnest appeal, Xi's stance on the Ukraine issue remains unchanged. While the French President's visit has reinforced diplomatic ties and highlighted the need for global trade balance, the impact on the Ukraine crisis remains uncertain. Amid these geopolitical complexities, Macron and Xi have pledged to support efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine and a two-state solution for Palestine, according to ANSA. Despite the uncertainty, the dialogue between the two leaders suggests a continued pursuit of diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crises.