France wants China to send a clear message to Russia over war in Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjournet said this Monday that “China must send very clear signals to Russia” about the war in Ukraine after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing.

“We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace unless it is achieved through negotiations with the Ukrainians,” Sejournet told a news conference, adding that “there will be no security for Europeans unless there is peace in accordance with international law.” .

According to the minister, the Asian country plays “a fundamental role in ensuring the independence and respect for international law, including the sovereignty of Ukraine.”

“This war concerns the entire international community,” the minister told his Chinese counterpart, who made no specific reference to the conflict in Ukraine in his speech at the start of the conference.

Stéphane Sejournet further stated that “France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China.”

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years.

The French minister also said that a trade disengagement with China is “undesirable,” which significantly reduces economic ties between the two countries.

Sejournet’s visit to Beijing comes against the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China and the resumption of official visits following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is the second time in less than six months that France’s foreign minister has visited China, after Sejournet’s predecessor, Catherine Colonnal, visited Beijing last November.

French President Emmanuel Macron also visited China in April 2023, where he was accused of moving closer to Beijing and caused controversy by saying Europe should not be a “follower” of the United States of America in the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan.