French President Emmanuel Macron, at the start of his state visit to China on Wednesday, noted that Europe should resist limiting trade and diplomatic relations with China in an effort to counter any feeling of an "inevitable spiral" of tension between Beijing and the West.
Invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon for a state visit to China lasting until Friday. He emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with China, given its close relations with Russia, which is engaged in war in Ukraine.
In response to a question about Western fears that Beijing might consider sending arms to Moscow, Macron stated that "any country doing so would be complicit in violating international law," adding, "It is not in China's interest to be in a perpetual war." He also expressed the impression that decoupling from the Chinese economy is already underway, with only the pace and intensity to be determined.
**Focus on Ukraine**
Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated they want to persuade China to use its influence over Russia to establish peace in Ukraine, or at least dissuade Beijing from directly supporting its ally.
Macron argued that it is crucial not to allow Russia a monopoly in dialogue with China, and that Beijing could play a role in mediating an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had previously encouraged President Xi Jinping in a meeting last week to speak with Ukrainian leadership to understand their peace formula.
Macron and von der Leyen are expected to convey the same message, emphasizing the necessity for Xi to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
