Bloomberg: EU officials slam Macron’s push to involve China in possible Russian-Ukrainian talks

French President Emmanuel Macron’s push to enlist China’s help to sketch out parameters for possible talks between Russia and Ukraine has drawn criticism from some allies who think that such an effort is premature and fear it could undermine European unity.

Macron’s strategy, which envisions a framework for talks between Moscow and Kyiv as soon as this summer if all goes well, may muddy the water regarding Ukraine’s demand that Russia relinquish all Ukrainian territory, according to officials in some European capitals, Bloomberg reported on April 20.

Bloomberg News earlier reported the details of the French idea, which would see foreign policy adviser Emmanuel Bonne work with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, according to people familiar with the plan.

“Macron is dealing with exactly what a Western leader should not be dealing with,” Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the foreign affairs committee in Estonia’s parliament, told the public broadcaster ERR on April 19. “Where does he get the fact that China can be trusted as an honest mediator in the current situation?”

A spokesperson from the Elysee said in a statement that during Macron’s Beijing trip earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was ready to work toward a negotiation. The statement added that France’s diplomatic adviser and the secretary of China’s foreign relations commission will exchange views on “how to achieve peace while respecting Ukraine’s legitimate rights.”

Macron told Xi “that such a negotiation should be done in accordance with international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine,” according to the statement. “He said that only the Ukrainians should decide.”

Some have expressed scepticism that China can serve as a neutral intermediary given its “no-limits friendship” with Russia. The countries have repeatedly pledged to strengthen ties, including a call on April 17 to boost cooperation between their militaries.

One European diplomat in Beijing said France may succeed in getting parties to the negotiating table but then may not know what to do once they are there. 

Macron has shown a willingness to conduct solo diplomatic efforts, many of which have come up short. He travelled to China in early April, seeking to convince Xi to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but left without such a commitment from Xi, who hasn’t spoken to Zelenskyy since the war started more than a year ago. 

Macron has previously said that he sees a major role for China and that thanks to its relationship with Russia it could “bring Moscow back to reason.” Beijing so far hasn’t shown signs that it’s willing to pressure Moscow to withdraw troops.

Germany and France are coordinating on Macron’s initiative, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.