France: Leaders from France and the European Union will meet with Mr. Xi Jinping, a close ally of Mr. Vladimir Putin, in Beijing to advocate for Europe’s efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron and European Commission Chief Ms. Ursula von der Leyen will be welcomed by the Chinese President at the Great Hall of the People, which is considered the centre of power in the capital city.
China is facing increasing pressure from the West to become more involved in the peace process in Ukraine, even though Beijing officially maintains a neutral stance. Despite this neutrality, Mr. Xi has yet to denounce the Russian invasion.
Although Xi visited Moscow recently to reassert his alliance with Putin, which was presented as an anti-Western coalition, he has not engaged in a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky.
The French President arrived in Beijing on 5th April 2023 for a state visit that will last for three days. Macron stated his desire to “act as a unifying voice for Europe” regarding Ukraine and highlighted that his joint visit with Ms. von der Leyen to China underscores the continuity of this approach.
Mr. Macron is scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Mr. Li Qiang and the head of China’s top legislative body, Mr. Zhao Leji, before having a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Xi. After giving statements to the press, Mr. Macron and Mr. Xi will hold a trilateral meeting with Ms. von der Leyen, followed by a state dinner.
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