European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is putting pressure on China to help end the war in Ukraine, urging Beijing to use its influence on Russia to stop the aggression. This comes after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where von der Leyen took a stronger stance than French President Emmanuel Macron.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin hinting at the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, von der Leyen praised Xi for his role in de-escalating the situation. However, it remains to be seen if her appeal will have any impact on Xi, especially as China has been a key supporter of Russia in the conflict.
Von der Leyen also addressed trade tensions with China, criticizing the influx of subsidized products like electric vehicles and steel into the European market. She emphasized the need to protect European economies from market distortions and potential deindustrialization.
This shift in tone towards China reflects a growing concern over the impact of the war in Ukraine on European economies. Von der Leyen’s firm stance signals a willingness to make tough decisions to safeguard the region’s economy and security.
The European Commission president’s call for China to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict highlights the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely watching how China responds to von der Leyen’s appeal.
