BEIJING – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot commenced a two-day trip to China on Thursday, during which he is scheduled to engage in discussions with his Chinese counterpart regarding Ukraine and enduring trade conflicts between China and Europe.
Barrot entered a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly before noon, which will be followed by a press briefing and a midday meal. On Friday, he is set to journey to Shanghai for a series of sessions with local authorities and industry captains.
France has consistently stood by Ukraine in its conflict against the Russian invasion, while Beijing has extended diplomatic support to Russia and supplied an economic boost by purchasing Russian raw materials. Barrot’s trip presents an opportunity to assess China’s stance on Ukraine ahead of a significant gathering hosted by France to discuss the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force in the region.
The talks come as fissures are showing between the U.S. and Europe over support for Ukraine, with Washington increasingly seen as backing Moscow.
French President François Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force could be deployed in Ukraine in under an eventual peace deal, and could “respond” to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one.
Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force for possible deployment in Ukraine in tandem with an eventual peace deal could “respond” to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one.
Europe has long complained of unfair Chinese trade practices that it says force European companies to take on Chinese partners, share business practices and result in a major Chinese trade surpluses.
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