Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated on Wednesday that he intends to urge China to take a stronger stance regarding Ukraine and to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war. In an interview with Reuters, Rasmussen said, "We want China to take a stronger position," noting that "Putin does not listen to European leaders, but it is clear that he listens to China. Therefore, I want to say that China should express its opinion." Rasmussen indicated that he would discuss "the issue of Ukraine and bilateral cooperation in green energy" with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during their meeting on Friday in Beijing. He will also meet with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao tomorrow, Thursday.