China's Changing Stance on Ukraine Issue... Discussions with France and Germany

Xi Jinping Discusses Ukraine Issue with Macron and Scholz
Interpreted as Seeking War Exit Strategy Through Russia and China

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Russia-Ukraine issue with the leaders of France and Germany, drawing attention to the possibility of China's active mediation in the future. France is the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) and, along with Germany, a key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to state-run Xinhua News Agency and the People's Daily on the 11th, President Xi exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine issue during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron the previous day.

President Xi stated, "We must be cautious of collective confrontations that could threaten global security," and added, "All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in restoring peace through negotiations." He emphasized, "China is also urging dialogue in its own way."

In response, President Macron said, "We share many common views with China on the Russia-Ukraine issue," and expressed, "France is willing to cooperate closely with China on both bilateral and multilateral levels." He further stated, "France and the EU neither agree to nor will participate in collective confrontations."

Xinhua News Agency reported that the two leaders agreed on the need to support Russia and Ukraine in restoring peace.

On the 9th, President Xi also discussed the Russia-Ukraine issue during a video conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. President Xi told Chancellor Scholz, "Europe is once again at a critical crossroads due to the Ukraine crisis," and said, "Relevant countries must strive to prevent the Russia-Ukraine issue from spiraling out of control." He added, "Europe's security lies in the hands of Europeans," and emphasized, "We support the EU's active, balanced, and sustainable role for peace."

President Xi also stated, "China welcomes all dialogues and efforts for peace and urges relevant parties to support Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations."

The People's Daily suggested that the Chinese and German leaders exchanged in-depth and candid views on the Ukraine situation, implying that the talks yielded results.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

China has so far maintained a principled stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, viewing it as a bilateral matter that requires peace-building through dialogue, but a shift in China's approach to the Ukraine issue is being sensed.

Some interpret that Russia might be seeking an exit strategy for the war through China. Given the prolonged conflict and significant damage to Russia, it is believed that Russia is looking for justification to halt the war via China.

Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin left room for interpretation during his Victory Day speech on the 9th, stating, "The special military operation in Ukraine was an unavoidable choice."

It is also analyzed that China could actively mediate in the future, as successfully resolving the Russia-Ukraine issue through its mediation would allow China to demonstrate its influence.

Meanwhile, President Xi expressed to President Macron his hope for economic cooperation in France's advanced technology sectors such as clean energy, aerospace, and finance, and conveyed to Chancellor Scholz his desire to cooperate with Germany in various fields including artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital new technologies, energy and food, service trade, and supply chain stability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.