European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday warned China that its support for Moscow would seriously tarnish its reputation in Europe, while Beijing said it opposed taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.
After the European-Chinese summit that took place today via video, von Derlein described the atmosphere of the talks as very tense due to Russia's war on Ukraine, and the European Commission President stressed that China has a responsibility regarding the war on Ukraine by not supporting Russia, or interfering in avoiding the imposed sanctions. over Moscow.
The European official said at a press conference in the Belgian capital, Brussels, that the volume of trade exchange between China and the European Union amounts to more than two billion dollars per day.
"Companies are monitoring countries' positions (...), no European citizen will understand that (China) supports Russia's ability to continue its war" in Ukraine, von Derlein said after a video conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council held talks on behalf of the EU member states for more than two hours in the morning, Brussels time, with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, followed by a summit with the Chinese President on Friday afternoon.
In the same context, European Council President Charles Michel said that the EU would remain vigilant against any attempt to help Russia, and that European officials called on China to help end the war in Ukraine, and Michel added that "any attempts to circumvent sanctions or provide assistance to Russia will prolong the war. This It will lead to more loss of life and a greater economic impact."
Chinese position
In contrast, the Chinese premier told European Union officials that Beijing opposes taking one side over the Ukraine-Russia war.
Chinese Foreign Ministry official Wang Lutong said on Twitter that European and Chinese officials "agreed to work together to maintain world peace, stability and prosperity" and "to establish a dialogue on energy and food security."
Chinese Central Television reported that Prime Minister Li Kexiang told European Union leaders today that China is advancing the Ukraine-Russia peace talks in its own way, adding that Beijing advocates protecting the principles of international law and international norms, including the territorial integrity of all countries.
Beijing is reluctant to condemn Russia's war on Ukraine, and in early March praised its "solid" friendship with Moscow, defending Russia's "reasonable" security concerns.