Macron in China urges 'shared responsibility for peace'
The Hindu
Mr. Macron is accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a show of European unity in dealings with Beijing
French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 5 he wants to “engage China toward a shared responsibility for peace” in Ukraine when he meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week.
French officials said earlier Mr. Macron planned to urge Mr. Xi in talks Thursday to use Beijing's influence with Russian President Vladimir Putin but didn't expect a big shift in the Chinese position.
Mr. Macron is accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a show of European unity in dealings with Beijing.
Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin declared their governments had a “no limits friendship” before Moscow's February 2022 attack on Ukraine. Beijing has refused to criticize the Kremlin but has tried to appear neutral and has called for a cease-fire and peace talks.
In a speech to French residents of China, Mr. Macron said he would "try to build, and somehow engage China toward a shared responsibility for peace and stability on international issues” including Ukraine, Iran and North Korea.
Mr. Macron expressed hope China will “participate in initiatives that are useful to the Ukrainian people.”
“Dialogue with China is indispensable,” Mr. Macron said during the event at the French Embassy.