European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a stern warning to China, indicating that EU-China relations could suffer if Beijing fails to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen criticized China for enabling Russia’s war economy through unfair trade practices, such as flooding global markets with subsidized goods. She called on Beijing to unequivocally denounce Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China has consistently denied supporting Russia, with its Foreign Ministry stating that it remains committed to a peaceful resolution through negotiations.
In her address, von der Leyen also highlighted concerns about China’s trade practices, accusing it of using unfair methods to undermine competitors. While her comments were primarily focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, they also touched on broader trade issues between the EU and China. Beijing’s stance on the Ukraine issue has been a point of tension, as the EU seeks to align its economic and political interests with its position on the conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated that China is not a party to the Ukraine issue and remains neutral in the conflict. She stressed that Beijing’s approach is based on the principles of negotiation, ceasefire, and peace. China has also opposed unilateral sanctions on Russia and has offered to mediate a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. This stance has drawn criticism from the EU, which views China’s refusal to publicly condemn Russia as a threat to international order and security.
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. This partnership has led to increased bilateral trade and cooperation, further complicating the EU’s efforts to isolate Russia. The EU’s warning to China underscores the growing geopolitical tensions and the potential for economic and political consequences as the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold.