Macron relying on Xi of China to'reason' with Russia on the conflict in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping he was counting on him to “reason” with Russia and help end the war in Ukraine. In his opening remarks at talks in Beijing on Thursday, Macron said Russia had “put an end to decades of peace in Europe” and that finding a “lasting peace” that respected internationally recognized borders was “an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe.” Xi reiterated China’s existing position on the war, including calling for peace talks and opposition to the use of nuclear weapons. Macron stressed a need for discussion “with everyone” including Russia, saying respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity is the only condition for lasting peace. Macron arrived in Beijing with high expectations for a possible breakthrough on working with China to find solutions to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. Xi said during the talks that Macron’s visit would “inject new impetus” to China-Europe relations, citing common work on climate change and African development.

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has met with both Xi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a trilateral meeting later Thursday. Von der Leyen said that for peace to be restored, Russia must end its invasion and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Macron appeared optimistic about working with China to move toward peace, but was not in China to question the Chinese red lines. A recent example of China as mediator was on show in Beijing on Thursday, as Saudi Arabia’s and Iran’s Foreign Ministers signed a joint statement related to the resumption of their bilateral relations after seven years. Macron continues his state visit Friday with a trip to China’s southern commercial hub of Guangzhou, where he is expected to dine with Xi.