BEIJING: France’s Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, emphasized on Monday that Paris expects China to convey “clear messages” to its close ally Russia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at a Press conference in Beijing alongside his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Sejourne stressed the importance of China’s role in advocating for peace negotiations with Ukraine.
“We expect China to send very clear messages to Russia,” stated Sejourne, underscoring the necessity of engaging with Ukrainians in negotiations for lasting peace. He emphasized that adherence to international law is crucial for ensuring security and stability in Europe.
France and China have been working to strengthen their bilateral ties in recent years, with both countries expressing appreciation for each other’s independent stances. During meetings in Paris in February, Wang Yi commended France’s independent stance, which was reiterated by Sejourne during his visit to Beijing.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining ties with China, Sejourne highlighted the need for an “economic rebalancing” to ensure that trade between the two countries is healthy and sustainable. This indicates France’s commitment to fostering a balanced economic relationship with China.
Sejourne’s visit to China marks the second trip by a French foreign minister in less than six months, following a similar visit by his predecessor, Catherine Colonna, in November. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron visited China last April, where he received a warm welcome but faced criticism for his remarks regarding Europe’s stance in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.
Macron’s statement about Europe not being a “follower” of the United States in such a scenario stirred controversy and highlighted the complexities in France-China relations, particularly concerning geopolitical issues like Taiwan. Despite these challenges, both countries continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation across various sectors while maintaining their respective diplomatic positions.
