Amid growing international fears that China may help Russia evade Western sanctions imposed on the latter as a result of its military operation in Ukraine, the European Union, whose most prominent leaders met today, Friday, via video link with Chinese officials, warned Beijing against supporting Moscow.
The Chinese authorities stressed that they encourage dialogue and negotiations between the Russians and the Ukrainians in order to reach a solution, but in their own way. Premier Li Keqiang announced that he assured EU leaders that his country was advancing Ukraine's peace talks "in its own way".
He also made it clear that his country supports the protection of the principles of international law and international norms, including the territorial integrity of all countries.
In turn, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that Beijing encourages peace talks and supports the EU's efforts towards a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Do not support Moscow
While the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called on the Chinese authorities not to help Russia, warning that any breach in this area would reflect negatively on Beijing's reputation.
It announced that the EU called on Beijing to "not interfere" in Western sanctions targeting the Russians, warning that any support for Moscow would "seriously tarnish the reputation" of China in Europe.
This priority
While Michel stressed that "the Union's top priority is to stop the war and protect the Ukrainian people," as he put it. He stressed that during crises, "there is a need for dialogue more than ever."
He also added that this is the reason why Europe and China are focusing on what can be done to end the Russian-Ukrainian war as soon as possible. Earlier today, Michel described the summit between the EU and China as a "appropriate and required opportunity for dialogue."
Provoke the Russians
It is noteworthy that European and Chinese leaders met for the first time two years ago today, while the 27-nation bloc is pressing Beijing to provide guarantees that it will not support Moscow with weapons and will not help it circumvent the sanctions imposed on it due to the military operation launched on Ukrainian soil on February 24.
Since last February, harsh sanctions have trickled down on Moscow, while China, which has commercial interests and economic relations with the West, blamed NATO countries for provoking the Russians and not taking into account Russia's security concerns.
Avoid slipping into conflict
Beijing has avoided criticizing the military operation launched by the Kremlin on the territory of its western neighbor, blaming the West and its states for the exacerbation of the conflict between the Russians and the Ukrainians, due to the expansion of the alliance in eastern Europe, without taking into account the security concerns of the countries concerned.
But China, which is the world's largest exporter and the largest trading partner of the European Union and the largest foreign supplier of goods to the United States, is wary of slipping into an open clash with the West, as it will rebound on it, although any pressure on Chinese trade will have economic effects in return. Indirect also on America and its European allies as well.
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- Agencies