In a diplomatic appeal, France’s leading diplomat, Catherine Colonna, has called on China to exercise vigilance regarding any form of support, direct or indirect, provided to Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This plea comes as Colonna concludes her visit to Beijing, where discussions aimed to deepen exchanges between the two nations but were inevitably dominated by pressing global events such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Ukraine.
France’s Diplomatic Dialogue with China:
During her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Colonna emphasized the importance of an in-depth dialogue on both global issues and major crises. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, she underscored France’s expectation that China would remain vigilant, ensuring that nothing within its borders contributes to Russia’s illegal war efforts in Ukraine. This diplomatic call follows China’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion and its deepening economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation with Moscow since the conflict’s onset in February 2022.
While the United States has expressed awareness of Chinese companies aiding Russia’s invasion, Colonna expressed confidence in China’s capacity to convey the international community’s message advocating for the full and real respect of the fundamental principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
China’s Position and Response:
In response, Wang Yi asserted that China maintains “normal and friendly relations” not only with Russia and Iran but with a multitude of other nations. He emphasized China’s commitment to an objective and impartial stance in handling international and regional affairs. Wang highlighted China’s adherence to the basic norms of international relations, resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and a persistent dedication to maintaining world peace and stability.
Colonna’s diplomatic talks coincided with a truce between Israel and Hamas, marking an important step towards de-escalation in the region. Colonna acknowledged the significance of the Gaza ceasefire and urged collaborative efforts on both humanitarian and political fronts.
China’s Role in the Middle East:
China’s increasing involvement in the Middle East was noted, including its facilitation of a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Additionally, Beijing dispatched an envoy to the region to advocate for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Colonna and Wang stressed the need for joint efforts in finding solutions to challenges, particularly in the areas of climate, biodiversity, and global tensions.
Visa Deal and Bilateral Cooperation:
In a move to enhance bilateral cooperation, Colonna and Wang engaged in a formal dialogue at Peking University covering various aspects, from climate issues to education. Simultaneously, Beijing announced that French citizens, along with those from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, would now be granted visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days starting December 1. Previously, only citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan enjoyed this privilege for shorter stays. Colonna expressed delight at this announcement, foreseeing increased mobility and exchanges between the two countries.
As France’s top diplomat concludes her visit to China, the focus on global issues and major crises, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, remains paramount. The plea for China’s vigilance in its relations with Russia reflects the complex dynamics of international diplomacy. While both nations continue to navigate through various challenges, the hope is that collaborative efforts will contribute to global peace and stability. As the world observes these diplomatic interactions, the importance of dialogue and cooperation among nations becomes increasingly evident in addressing the pressing issues of our time.
