The EU is closely monitoring China’s position in the war in Ukraine. At a video summit on Friday, Brussels issued a warning to the government in Beijing. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel found clear words. “No European citizen would understand if there was any support for Russia’s ability to wage war. That would damage China’s reputation here in Europe,” von der Leyen said after the talks.
The country also bears a special responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Indirectly, von der Leyen also threatened China with consequences for the close economic ties. “It is clear that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a defining moment not only for our continent, but also for our relationship with the rest of the world.” Michel, President of the EU Council: “We have asked China to contribute to the end of the … war in Ukraine.” China cannot ignore Russia’s violation of international law.
According to everything released about the talks in the People’s Republic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not commented extensively on the war in Ukraine and only mentioned it in passing. Instead, Xi tried to divide Europeans and Americans after the war in Ukraine brought them even closer together. According to him, the European Union should not allow itself to be influenced by the US in its China policy: China hopes that the European side “has an independent image of China and conducts an independent policy towards China”, according to the head of state.
China wants to ‘play constructive role’
Prime Minister Li Keqiang was given the role of speaking eloquent words to Europeans about the war in Ukraine in order to show China in a better light. China wants to work with the EU and the world and “play a constructive role to contain the situation, end hostilities, avert a major humanitarian disaster and quickly restore peace,” he said.
However, this does not mean that China is moving away from Russia or acting in line with the EU. Because when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a visit to China this week, the tones sounded very different. Since the “boundless” friendship with Russia was invoked. Relations were moving in “the right direction”. Both were against American “hegemony”. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the state media never tire of portraying the US, EU and NATO as the main causes of the crisis. The sanctions imposed by the West are also repeatedly criticized.
EU wants to help China fight pandemic
But the EU also does not want to put too much pressure on relations. That is why Brussels is also trying to use incentives: the EU wants to help China fight the corona pandemic, but at the same time expects concessions in other areas. People are willing to share and support expertise, von der Leyen said, specifically mentioning mRNA vaccines. But it was also made clear to China that a number of differences needed to be addressed. As an example, von der Leyen cited Beijing’s sanctions against MEPs, limited access to the Chinese market, human rights issues and China’s actions against Lithuania.
Tensions have developed between the Baltic state and China in recent months. Beijing cut its diplomatic ties after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office under its own name in the capital, Vilnius. China does not see democratic Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949, as an independent state and is trying to isolate it internationally.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
