Macron heads to China for delicate talks on Ukraine, trade
The Hindu
French President Emmanuel Macron will muster all his diplomatic adeptness and political acumen on a three-day state visit to China where the war in Ukraine will be front and center
French President Emmanuel Macron will muster all his diplomatic adeptness and political acumen on a three-day state visit to China where the war in Ukraine will be front and centre, along with tough talks on trade.
Mr. Macron is expected to warn China against sending weapons to Russia and instead ask that the country use its influence to support peace efforts.
Beijing claims to hold a neutral stance in the war, but has also stressed its “no-limits friendship” with Russia. China’s President Xi Jinping last month met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
A top French official acknowledged that Paris isn't expecting to see a major shift in the position of China’s, which has refused to criticize Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
But France will push for initiatives helping ordinary Ukrainians and for possible avenues toward reaching a halfway solution to the war, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with the French Presidency's customary practices.
Paris and Beijing may find a point of convergence following Mr. Putin’s recent announcement that his country plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. China, without naming Russia, made clear its opposition to the planned deployment.
Mr. Macron will also seek to involve China deeper in global discussions on climate-related issues, as things are getting more complicated for him at home.