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China's Xi Urges Ukraine Talks during Meeting with EU's Michel


Thu 01 Dec 2022 | 01:13 PM
European Council President Charles Michel and Chinese President Xi Jinping
European Council President Charles Michel and Chinese President Xi Jinping
Israa Farhan

China's President Xi Jinping urged negotiations on a political solution to the Ukraine crisis in talks with visiting European Council President Charles Michel in Beijing Thursday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

During the meeting, Xi said, “solving the Ukrainian crisis through political means is in the best interest of Europe and the common interest of all countries in Eurasia.”

“Under current conditions, we must avoid escalation and expansion of the crisis and work for peace," Xi added.

China has made such statements repeatedly in the past while refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion and criticizing sanctions against Moscow.

Weeks before the invasion, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their "no limits" relationship, and Beijing stepped up its oil purchases from Russia while their air forces conducted joint exercises this week.

Michel's spokesperson said he stressed that the EU relies on China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to call on Moscow to respect the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and contribute to ending Russia's brutal destruction and occupation.

EU officials stated that Michel's one-day visit was aimed at finding a balance between the EU's desire to increase exports to China and the need to be firm with Beijing in defending democracy and fundamental freedoms.