French president turns to Beijing in bid to end Ukraine conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing from December 3 to 5, seeking China’s influence on Russia to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

During the visit, Macron plans to reiterate his appeal to Xi to encourage Moscow to halt military operations in Ukraine and to take steps toward restoring balance in trade relations between China and Europe, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“We are counting on China, which, like us, is a permanent member of the Security Council, to influence Russia so that Russia, and in particular Vladimir Putin, finally decides on a ceasefire,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on December 1.

To recall, this is Macron’s fourth state visit to China since taking office as French President.

By Vafa Guliyeva