Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a six-day visit to Europe

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a six-day visit to Europe, where he is seeking to counter claims that China is aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine. Xi met with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and pushed back against allegations that China is supporting Russia's defense industry through "dual use" exports.

Xi said that China is not a party to the conflict and is actively contributing to peace efforts. He also opposed using the Ukraine crisis to "shed responsibility or defame a third country and provoke a new Cold War." This is seen as a reference to allegations from Washington about China's role in supporting Russia's defense industry.

European leaders have expressed concerns about China's close ties with Russia and its refusal to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Xi's visit is seen as an opportunity for China to present its own narrative on its role in the conflict and to seek to open up space between the views of Washington and its European allies.

Xi's visit comes as American officials have raised concerns about China's exports of dual-use goods to Russia, which they say are enabling Russia to expand its defense industrial base. China has defended its trade with Russia as part of normal bilateral ties and says it does not provide weapons to parties in conflict.

During his meetings with European leaders, Xi reiterated China's commitment to not sending weapons and aid to Moscow and to strictly control China's export of goods that could be used in a military way. Macron said that Xi's commitment was a source of reassurance and thanked him for agreeing to visit France before an expected visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing.

Xi and Macron also called for a global Olympic truce, which would see a pause in fighting in all conflicts during the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. The Chinese leader also called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and released a joint statement with Macron saying it was "imperative to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire."

Despite claims of neutrality in the conflict, Beijing has given little appearance of using its leverage with Russia to push for a resolution favored by Europe. Xi is seen as being careful to ensure that any outcome of the war doesn't weaken Putin, who he sees as a key partner in pushing back against US "containment."

Xi reiterated China's call for all parties involved in the conflict to restart dialogue and gradually accumulate mutual trust. He also appeared to push back against peace conferences that have not included Russia, such as the one expected in Switzerland next month. Beijing supports efforts recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal and just discussions of all possible peace plans at the conference.