EU Council chief urges China to use its influence over Russia to end war in Ukraine
Photo: António Costa, President of the European Council (Getty Images)
China must use its influence on Russia to ensure it abides by the United Nations (UN) Charter and halts its full-scale war against Ukraine, European Council President António Costa says, as la Repubblica reports.
According to the media outlet, the call to pressure Russia into peace was made alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People.
Costa stated that he wants to urge China, as "a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to use its influence on Russia so that it abides by the UN Charter and stops its aggressive war against Ukraine."
China's stance on war in Ukraine
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, China has officially maintained a neutral position, calling for a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the conflict. While Beijing has not openly condemned Russia's invasion, it has consistently advocated for "respect for the sovereignty of all countries."
At the same time, China continues to maintain close economic and political ties with Russia, including an increase in trade.
According to media reports, during a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine.
