EU Urges China to Leverage Influence Over Russia Amid Tensions

Leaders of the European Union (EU) have called on China’s President Xi Jinping to exert pressure on Russia to cease its military actions in Ukraine. This appeal comes as EU-China relations are described as having reached a significant “inflection point.” The remarks occurred during a summit in Beijing commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two entities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa traveled to Beijing for discussions with Xi, following his decision to decline an invitation to Brussels for the milestone event. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for both sides to acknowledge their “respective concerns” and to present tangible solutions to the imbalances that have arisen as their cooperation has deepened.

In his opening address, Costa highlighted the discrepancies in economic relations, stating, “We need concrete progress on issues related to trade and economy.” He expressed a desire for a relationship that is “balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.” Moreover, he directly addressed China’s involvement in the ongoing conflict, urging Xi to use his influence as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to encourage Russia to abide by the U.N. Charter and end its aggression against Ukraine.

The EU’s recent decision to include two Chinese banks in its latest sanctions against Russia prompted a strong response from Beijing, which expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to what it termed an “egregious” action. This development underscores the growing tensions in EU-China relations, as both sides navigate complex geopolitical issues.

Xi acknowledged the critical state of EU-China relations, describing the two as “two big guys” on the global stage that must make strategic choices to meet public expectations and withstand historical scrutiny. He stated, “China and Europe should enhance communication, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, providing the world with more stability and certainty.”

The discussions between the EU leaders and Xi will continue, with talks also scheduled with Li Qiang, China’s Premier. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the outcomes of these meetings could have significant implications for international relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.