China gave the EU a message to “act independently from the USA”. The first summit between the EU and China held today in two years was marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its possible effects between Europe and China.
At the summit, which took place via videoconference, EU leaders demanded the Beijing administration to support Ukraine and distance itself from Russia. Beijing, on the other hand, announced that it will make efforts “in its own way” to support peace in Ukraine.
European Council President Charles Michel, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Josep Borrell met first with Chinese Premier Li Kiqiang and then President Xi Jinping within the scope of the summit.
EU “financial and military aid” warning
Making a statement after the summit, European Council President Charles Michel said that the EU and China agreed that the war in Ukraine threatened global security and the world economy.
“Any attempt to bypass the sanctions and aid to Russia will make the war last longer,” said Michel, adding that they “will be on the alert” for possible financial and military aid to Russia.
Sharing the information, “We have very clearly conveyed to China that it should not interfere with our sanctions,” Michel said that the steps China will take to end the war will be welcomed by both the Europeans and the international community.
indirect threat
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on the other hand, pointed out that if she supports Russia, it would greatly damage China’s prestige in Europe, and said, “No European citizen can accept the support that will be given for Russia to continue the war.”
Von der Leyen also emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will not only determine the future of the European continent, but will also determine the future of Europe’s relations with the rest of the world.
Beijing demands “policies independent of the US”
According to the Chinese state television CCTV, the Chinese side conveyed its expectation to the EU to act “independently from the USA” during the meeting.
It was stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that they expected the EU to form its views with China “independently”. It was also reported that Xi suggested to EU leaders to work together on the Ukraine crisis and to prevent the crisis from affecting other areas.
Prime Minister Li, on the other hand, told EU leaders that his country will continue to strive “in its own way” to support peace in Ukraine, during their meeting, which lasted about two hours.
According to the Chinese state television CCTV, Li stressed that his country supports peace, encourages negotiations, is in favor of protecting the territorial integrity of countries and adhering to international law.
“We refuse to be forced to take sides”
Making a statement before the summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijan criticized the West’s sanctions policies towards Russia.
Stating that the blockades should be resisted with the Cold War approaches, the spokesperson emphasized that China is against the search for solutions to the problems through sanctions, and that they refuse to be forced to take sides.
China, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite the criticism of the West, and states that it will not be a party to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Reuters, dpa, AFP/DA, UK
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