French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that China can have a significant impact on resolving the Ukraine conflict and rejected the idea of economic decoupling from the country. Macron is advocating for Europe to take a more measured stance on China compared to the United States. During his three-day visit to China, Macron stated that China has the ability to utilize its close ties with Russia to promote peace in the region. Macron believes that the best way to move forward is through strategic engagement with China and direct communication regarding Russia's aggression in Ukraine and its consequences for Europe. He also cited China's 12-point plan for peace as a positive sign.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in China for a three-day visit and expressed his belief that China can play a significant role in resolving the Russian aggression in Ukraine. He suggested that China could use its close ties with Russia to push for peace and find common ground with Beijing on several fronts. However, Macron warned China that any country that delivered weapons to Russia would become complicit in a breach of international law.
While Macron refused to threaten China with sanctions, he sought to mark a difference with the US’s tougher approach on China by balancing engagement with China on trade and investment, as well as demanding respect for human rights and territorial sovereignty in Ukraine among others. He emphasized the importance of not decoupling with China and working together on major international issues like Iran and North Korea. Macron will be traveling with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underscoring a message of European unity.