European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated today, Thursday, that China must play a role in advocating for a "just peace" in Ukraine, adding that its involvement in the conflict will be crucial in shaping relations with the European Union. In a speech delivered in Brussels on the eve of a trip to Beijing, von der Leyen stated, "Any peace plan that stabilizes Russian annexations is simply not a viable plan; we must be honest about this point."
She continued, "The manner in which China continues to engage with President Putin's war will be a determining factor in the future of EU-China relations." She emphasized that "As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China bears the responsibility of playing a constructive role in achieving peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of invading Russian forces."
Ahead of her visit to China next week with French President Emmanuel Macron, von der Leyen provided a realistic assessment of Chinese policies and acknowledged that relations with Beijing have become "more difficult and strained" in recent years. She noted that, considering China's economic weight and global influence, the EU's management of this relationship would be a critical factor for economic prosperity and security within the bloc.
Von der Leyen added that China, whose President Xi Jinping pledged this month to strengthen ties with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, has the responsibility to push for a "just peace" that requires the withdrawal of Russian troops to end the war in Ukraine.
