France anticipates “clear signals to Russia” from China on war in Ukraine

The French Foreign Minister, Stéphane Séjourné, has urged China to take a more proactive stance in the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and to send a strong message to Russia.

The minister said this during his visit to Beijing, according to BFMTV.

"We expect that China will send apparent signals to Russia. China obviously plays a key role in ensuring Ukraine's independence and respect for international law, including its sovereignty," Séjourné said at a press conference with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

He also called for a "balance of forces favorable to Ukraine."

"We are convinced that there will be no long-term peace if they do not agree on it with the Ukrainians," the French minister added.

Séjourné stated that if peace in accordance with international law were not achieved, Europeans would have no security. He also stressed that this war affects the entire international community, which is why France is committed to maintaining a strong dialogue with China on this matter.

It is worth noting that France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years. During a meeting in Paris in February this year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance.

This contrasts with a more radical approach, known as "isolation," pursued by some politicians in the United States, who seek to isolate China or cut all commercial ties with the country. At the same time, the EU increasingly views China as a "partner" and an "economic competitor and systemic rival."

Paris is also trying to pressure Beijing because of its close ties with Moscow, which have only strengthened since the invasion of Ukraine.

For reference:

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously published the so-called "peace plan" with its ideas laid out in 12 points.

China's special envoy previously visited Kyiv and Moscow in May 2023 as part of a European tour to promote Beijing's plan to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war. Li Hui, China's former ambassador to Russia, was announced as a special envoy during a phone call with Zelensky.

China has proposed an international peace conference, with recognition from Ukraine and Russia, to resolve the ongoing "Ukraine crisis." The conference would provide a platform for countries to voice their perspectives and discuss potential solutions to the conflicts. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also expressed China's readiness to collaborate with Russia in developing new avenues for cooperation and fostering stronger friendship between the two nations.

It should be noted that China will consider participating in a peace conference planned by neutral Switzerland in the coming months to end the war in Ukraine.