BEIJING: France’s top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, called on China to be watchful against providing any direct or indirect support to Russia in its ongoing war on Ukraine. The French Foreign Minister called on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
Colona’s visit to Beijing was part of a broader visit focusing on deepening exchanges, addressed global issues, with a particular emphasis on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Ukraine.
Colonna stated at a press conference in Beijing that France was relying on the vigilance of Chinese authorities to ensure that nothing in China contributes directly or indirectly to Russia’s war effort.
While the United States has expressed awareness of Chinese companies allegedly aiding Russia’s invasion, Colonna expressed confidence in China’s capacity to convey the international community’s message of respecting fundamental principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s maintenance of normal and friendly relations with various countries, including Russia and Iran. He reiterated China’s commitment to an objective and impartial stance in handling international and regional affairs, upholding the basic norms of international relations and seeking peaceful dispute resolution.
France Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Address Gaza Conflict
In response to the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Colonna hailed it as an important step and called for collaborative efforts to find solutions on both humanitarian and political levels. The discussions also encompassed a bilateral dialogue at Peking University aimed at enhancing cooperation across various domains, including climate and education.
In a positive development for bilateral relations, Beijing announced visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, starting from December 1. Colonna expressed her delight at the announcement, emphasizing the significance of increased mobility between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Colonna was received by Premier Li Qiang at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, where they discussed shared global responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council and the need to address major challenges, including climate and biodiversity. Li highlighted the positive trend of Sino-French cooperation on various fronts, providing certainty in today’s uncertain world.
