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President Xi Jinping pushed back against allegations of China's support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during meetings with European leaders. This is amid a period of rising China-Europe tensions spurred by concerns of Beijing’s close ties to Moscow.
“China is neither the creator of the crisis, nor a party to it or a participant. But we are also not a bystander, we have always been actively contributing to reaching peace,” Xi said during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, following a day of meetings that also included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
After five years Xi is scheduled to visit Europe for the 6th time. Xi’s visit to Europe is viewed by Beijing as an opportunity for the leader to present China’s own narrative on its role in the conflict playing out in Europe directly to leaders there – while seeking to open up space between the views of Washington and its European allies.
The trip will also see Xi visit Serbia and Hungary, with the leader’s visit to Belgrade coinciding with the 25th anniversary of NATO’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in the city that killed three.
Xi’s visit to the continent comes as American officials in recent weeks have raised concerns with Chinese counterparts about dual use goods exported from China to Russia, which they say are enabling Russia to expand its defense industrial base as it continues its onslaught against Ukraine.
Beijing has defended its trade with Russia as part of normal bilateral ties; it also says it does not provide weapons to parties in conflict. It has not been accused of sending lethal weapons to Russia, but rather goods with military use.
The Chinese leader also called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war on Monday, with Xi and Macron releasing a joint statement saying it was “imperative to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire,” while ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid, protection of civilians and “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages.
While claiming neutrality in the conflict and seeking to position itself as a peacemaker, Beijing has so far given little appearance of using its leverage with Russia to push the country toward a resolution that would be favored by Europe.
Lewis Musonye
