With heavy sanctions against Russia impacting the country’s trade with the US and EU, China now supplies Russia with the lion’s share of its consumer goods as well as key technologies for battlefield. Both sides benefit from what Xi called a “limitless partnership.”
Macron, for his part, welcomed Chinese “commitments” to “refrain from selling arms” to Russia and to “closely control the export of dual-use equipment”, deeming these declarations “reassuring”.
Xi in turn warned Ukraine’s supporters against focusing too much on Beijing’s support for Moscow, hinting at Washington’s role in the conflict. “We oppose those who take advantage of the crisis and shift the blame to a third party, and call for a new Cold War,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Xi, Macron and their wives attended an official welcome ceremony at the Invalides monument in Paris, during which the French Republican Guard played the national anthems of the two countries. They also reviewed the troops and exchanged jokes about the features of the 17th century monument.
The Chinese leader held three-way talks with Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on the simmering trade war between the EU and China. During her opening speech, von der Leyen warned that Europe would “not hesitate to take action” to defend its interests as it pursues several investigations into suspected unfair trade practices in China.
Politico
