Politico: Macron failed to achieve a change in China’s position on Ukraine

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron did not change China’s position on Ukraine. About it writes newspaper Politico, citing a French diplomat familiar with the negotiations.

“The President urged Xi Jinping not to provide military assistance to Russia that would help it in the conflict in Ukraine. Xi said that this war is none of his business,” the source said.

Politico notes that Macron arrived in China hoping to convince Beijing to influence Moscow to resolve the situation in Ukraine. The French president also wanted to force the PRC to oppose the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Macron met with Xi Jinping in Beijing today, April 6. The French leader expressed hope for China’s mediation in resolving the Ukrainian conflict. He also advocated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Chairman of the People’s Republic of China notedthat the republic will strive to promote a peaceful dialogue. He added that China is ready, together with France, to appeal to the world community to “keep restraint” and adhere to international humanitarian law.

Earlier, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the country takes a neutral position in relation to the Russian special operation in Ukraine. Beijing has also repeatedly called on the parties to peaceful negotiations. China’s position has previously been criticized by Western leaders. In particular, in early April, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Beijing “cannot be in the middle.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also noted earlier that the United States and NATO countries are also responsible for the crisis in Ukraine. Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to the EU Fu Cong said that the Chinese government believes that the reasons for the start of the conflict are more complicated than the West is trying to present them.

February 24 China introduced its plan to exit the Ukrainian conflict, which includes 12 points, including respect for the sovereignty of all countries, the cessation of hostilities, the start of peace negotiations, etc.