Xi Jinping Urges Independent China Policy, Macron Emphasizes Pressure on Russia

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed current issues on the 15th, focusing on the Ukraine war and Europe’s China policy.

The ?lys?e Palace, the French presidential office, released a statement saying that the two leaders met in Bali, Indonesia, where the Group of Twenty (G20) summit was held, reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Ukraine’s territory and respecting its sovereignty, and expressed a firm stance against the use of nuclear weapons. They also agreed on the urgent need to ease tensions.

The ?lys?e Palace explained that President Macron expressed strong concerns over Russia’s decision to continue the war in Ukraine and emphasized the necessity for close cooperation between the two countries to overcome the consequences of the war spreading beyond European borders. President Macron reportedly urged President Xi to “convey a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid escalation and seriously return to the negotiating table.”

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Xi’s position on the Ukraine situation is clear and consistent in supporting a ceasefire, halting the conflict, and peace negotiations. It added that the international community must create conditions, and China will strive to play a constructive role. President Xi also emphasized, “Both sides should expand bilateral trade and investment, maintain the stable and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, and uphold international economic and trade rules and order.”

He expressed hope that “France will continue to promote an independent and positive China policy within the European Union (EU),” and stated that China wishes to cooperate with France in areas such as climate change response, biodiversity conservation, genuine multilateralism, and food and energy security. “China is firmly advancing a high level of opening-up and striving to promote modernization with Chinese characteristics, which will provide new opportunities to France and countries around the world,” he added.

Regarding this, President Macron said, “Facing the current unstable international situation, France wishes to continue maintaining mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity with China, closely engage in high-level dialogues, deepen cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, aviation, and civil nuclear power, and welcomes Chinese companies to come to France for joint ventures,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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