KYIV. UkraineGate .1 . December .2022 | War News .
Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for talks on a political settlement of the war in Ukraine during talks with European Council President Charles Michel, who is in Beijing on Thursday.
Details
Xi Jinping said that “the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis by political means is in the interests of Europe and the common interests of all countries of Eurasia,” the state-owned broadcaster CCTV reported.
“In the current environment, we must avoid escalating and expanding the crisis and work for peace,” Xi said.
China, the publication notes, has repeatedly made similar statements in the past, refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion and criticizing sanctions against Moscow. Weeks before the invasion, Xi and Russian leader Vladimir Putin confirmed their “limitless” relationship, and Beijing increased oil purchases from Russia, while their air force conducted joint exercises this week.
EU officials said Michel’s one-day visit was aimed at finding a balance between the EU’s desire to increase exports to China and the need to have a firm stance on Beijing in protecting democracy and fundamental freedoms.
According to European sources cited by Tagesschau, Xi Jinping and Michel reiterated during the conversation that “nuclear threats are irresponsible and very dangerous.” And Michel said the European Union expects China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to lobby for Russia to respect the UN Charter and help “end Russia’s brutal destruction and occupation,” according to an EU spokesman.
Michel himself wrote on Twitter following the talks that “the EU is advancing its interests and values in the world.” “Open cooperation with China on all aspects of our relations is the only way forward. Today we discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and its consequences, global challenges and the whole range of our bilateral relations,” said the Chairman of the European Council.
Supplement
In recent years, as China has increased its influence in the world, the EU has increasingly begun to view the country as a strategic rival. Michel’s visit is also an opportunity for a 27-member bloc to demonstrate a united front after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid a visit to China in early November.
Source: Ukrgate
