Emmanuel Macron said , that China has committed to "refrain from arms sales" and from "any help to Moscow". He stated this at a joint media briefing in Paris with President Xi Jinping, AFP reported, quoted by NOVA.
"We welcome the commitments made by the Chinese authorities to refrain from selling any weapons or providing assistance to Moscow and to strictly control the export of dual-use goods" that could be used for military purposes.
Xi called in Paris for his country not to be "tarnished" on the issue of Ukraine, where, in his words, Beijing plays a "positive role" for finding apeaceful solution to the war. AFP notes that no journalistic questions were allowed at the briefing.
The West, led by the United States, regularly criticizes China over the Ukraine issue. Although he calls for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries - including Ukraine - he has never publicly condemned Russia, notes AFP.
In addition, Beijing strengthened its diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. The US State Department announced a new wave of sanctions in early May, specifically targeting Chinese companies it says are supporting the Russian invasion.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU could take tough measures to protect its economy and security in the context of strained trade relations with China.
“A China that plays fair is good for all of us,” she said after talks with Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron, adding: “Europe will not hesitate to take the tough decisions necessary to protect its economy and security.” ;
Von der Leyen expressed confidence that the Chinese leader will reduce tensions in connection with Russia's nuclear threats.
“President Xi played an important role in the de-escalation of irresponsible nuclear threats by Russia”, the President of the European Commission indicated, reported AFP.
“I am confident that President Xi will continue to do so amid the ongoing nuclear threats from Russia,” she added, hours after President Vladimir Putin ordered exercises for the use of nuclear weapons near Ukraine.