French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has urged China to leverage its influence over Russia to bring Moscow to the negotiating table and end the war in Ukraine. His appeal came during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday.
France and China have maintained strong bilateral ties in recent years, but Paris has consistently pressed Beijing on its relationship with Moscow, which has deepened since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Following their meeting at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Barrot described the talks as “frank, constructive, and in-depth.”
“China has a role to play in convincing Russia to come to the negotiating table with serious and good-faith proposals,” Barrot said, stressing the need for cooperation to promote a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
The ministers also discussed trade relations amid rising tensions between China, the European Union, and the United States. Barrot reiterated France’s opposition to “any form of trade war,” calling for dialogue to resolve disputes, including Beijing’s tariffs on EU brandy imports.
Wang responded by affirming China’s commitment to “further strengthen our strategic coordination on international and regional hotspot issues.”
‘Differences’ Over Ukraine
While China claims to be a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it remains a close ally of Russia. NATO countries have accused Beijing of being a “decisive enabler” of the war, a charge it has denied.
Barrot acknowledged that France and China have “differences” on key geopolitical issues but emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue.
“Faced with political, economic, and security challenges, a new Europe is rapidly emerging. Its sole compass is strategic autonomy,” Barrot said. “It will be particularly vigilant in defending its interests and values.”
Wang, meanwhile, warned that global instability is increasing. “The international situation has changed again, and it will be even more chaotic,” he cautioned, urging both nations to “adhere to multilateralism” and work together for global stability.
Strengthening Franco-Chinese Ties
Barrot’s visit to China, part of a broader Asian diplomatic tour, includes stops in Indonesia and Singapore. His engagements in Beijing also included a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People.
“The world is currently not peaceful, and instability and uncertainty are increasing,” Li stated. “As two independent and responsible major countries, China and France should strengthen cooperation.”
Barrot is set to travel to Shanghai, where he will inaugurate a hydrogen production plant built by French multinational Air Liquide and participate in a Franco-Chinese business forum.
China has expressed hopes that the visit will “consolidate political mutual trust” and enhance economic collaboration amid ongoing global challenges.
