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As Xi pushes for closer ties with Europe, EU pressures China on Russia and trade
- Xi says China and Europe can ‘contribute to world peace’, ahead of meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen
- European leaders are pushing Beijing to use its influence over Moscow to bring a halt to the war in Ukraine
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Finbarr Berminghamin Brussels
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for closer ties with Europe on Monday, before a meeting with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paris.
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“As two forces in this world, China and Europe should adhere to the position of partners, adhere to dialogue and cooperation … and continue to make new contributions to world peace,” Xi said in his opening remarks.
Without naming Ukraine – which was high on the agenda – Xi said the “world today has entered a new period of turbulence and change”.
The Europeans have said they are relying on China to use its influence to end the war.
“We count on China to use all its influence on Russia to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” von der Leyen told reporters after the meeting.
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She praised the Chinese leader for “playing an important role in de-escalating Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats”, adding that she was “confident Xi will continue to do so”.
Macron said “coordination” with Beijing on “major crises” in Ukraine and the Middle East was “absolutely decisive”.
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