European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday pressed China to help resolve the war in Ukraine, saying Beijing should “use all its leverage over Russia to end its aggressive war in Ukraine.”
She made the remarks after accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping begins his first trip to Europe in five years on Sunday. Ms von der Leyen has always taken a tougher stance on China than Mr Macron.
Russian President Vladimir V. Putin once again advised him Possible preparations to use nuclear weapons in war in UkraineXi Jinping “played an important role in reducing Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threat,” she said. Von der Leyen said she believed Xi Jinping “will continue to do so in the context of Russia’s continued nuclear threats.”
It is unclear whether her appeal will have any impact on Xi Jinping, and describing the conflict as Russia’s “aggressive war” in Ukraine seems likely to anger the Chinese leader. Beijing has established an “unrestricted” friendship with Russia and has provided Moscow with critical support for its military operations, including jet fighter parts, microchips and other dual-use equipment.
“More efforts are needed to limit the delivery of dual-use goods to Russia before they enter the battlefield,” von der Leyen said of China. “Given the nature of the threat this war poses to Ukraine and Europe , This really affects the relationship between the EU and China.”
It is relatively unusual for a senior European official to describe the war in Ukraine as an “existential threat” to the continent. Doing so could reflect Putin’s renewed talk of using nuclear weapons.
Ms von der Leyen has also taken a tough stance on trade. Relations between the 27-nation European Union and China are tense due to rapid growth in imports of electric cars and other goods. Excessive and often heavily subsidized manufacturing, coupled with weak domestic demand, has led to a major push for exports.
“These subsidized products, such as electric cars or steel, are flooding into the European market,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “At the same time, China continues to vigorously support its manufacturing industry without increasing domestic demand.”
“The world,” she declared, “cannot absorb China’s surplus production.”
The war in Ukraine, and the subsequent need for significant adjustments in energy procurement as most countries on the continent stopped buying energy from Russia, put enormous pressure on the European economy. Inflation has increased, and so have concerns that China could bankrupt businesses.
“Europe cannot accept market-distorting practices that could lead to domestic deindustrialization,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “Europe will not waver in taking the difficult decisions needed to protect its economy and security,” she added.
More than a year ago, Ms. von der Leyen Accompanying Mr. Macron on his visit to ChinaThe French leader received a grand reception there. The visit ended with China and France announcing the establishment of a “global strategic partnership.” The French leader echoed China’s statement of a “multipolar” world and getting rid of “blocs” and “Cold War mentality.”
However, Ms von der Leyen warned at the time that “China has now turned the page on the ‘reform and opening up’ era and is entering a new era of security and control.”
China aims to become the world’s most powerful country by the middle of this century and ensure “systemic changes in the China-centered international order,” she said.
