Send 'clear message' to Russia over its war in Ukraine, France urges China

Paris says Beijing has key role in ensuring respect for global law is maintained

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BEIJING France's top diplomat said on April 1 that Paris expects China to send "clear messages" to its close partner Russia over its war in Ukraine, after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing.

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years and, during meetings in Paris in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated country's his stance.

"independent" But Paris has also sought to press Beijing on its close ties with Moscow, which have only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine.

While China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive.

Paris has, in contrast, become one of Kyiv's firmest backers, with Mr Macron in February even refusing to rule out putting troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on April 1 that it wanted

"China to send very clear messages to Russia" over its war in Ukraine.