The European Union is signaling a strategic push to engage China in shaping Russia’s actions regarding the war in Ukraine. According to a senior EU official cited by TASS, the bloc views Beijing as a potential lever to press Moscow toward de-escalation and a peaceful settlement of the ongoing crisis.
The official stressed that Ukraine remains the EU’s top priority. He noted that the EU expects China to use its influence with Russia to stop the fighting and to encourage constructive engagement toward a diplomatic resolution. The message was delivered in the context of sustained discussions about how China can contribute to peace efforts without compromising its own interests or global relations.
Beyond urging restraint and dialogue, Brussels also indicated that China should participate in meetings and discussions aligned with the peace framework proposed by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. The aim is to ensure that any talks involving China reflect the legitimate concerns of Ukraine and the broader European community while leveraging China’s diplomatic weight to create space for progress on the ground.
The upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing is a focal point for these efforts. The participants include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel. The summit offers a platform for direct exchanges between EU leaders and top Chinese officials, and it is anticipated that Michel will also meet with President Xi Jinping to discuss the path toward stability and security in Europe and Eurasia.
Previously, von der Leyen had signaled that China’s stance on the Ukraine conflict could determine the depth and breadth of future EU–China relations. The EU’s approach underlines a conditional framework: China’s actions on Ukraine would influence how closely Brussels collaborates with Beijing across a broad range of topics, including trade, technology, and regional security structures.
There is also a wider conversation about the rationality of sanctions against Russia. EU officials have argued that sanctions should be carefully calibrated to minimize humanitarian impact while maximizing pressure on Moscow. The goal is to preserve European unity and alliance commitments while seeking a durable path toward peace that can be supported by credible guarantees and international law. In this context, the EU expects China to respect international norms and to use its influence to prevent any escalation that could destabilize the region further.
Analysts caution that engaging China on Ukraine involves delicate diplomacy. Beijing maintains a position that emphasizes dialogue and stability, and it has sought to balance its economic and strategic interests with a cautious stance on the war. The EU’s outreach is designed to test whether China can adopt a more proactive role in peace efforts without appearing to pick sides, thereby offering Moscow a credible incentive to negotiate while preserving China’s strategic autonomy.
The broader objective for Europe is to build a coherent, multi-layered approach to the conflict. This includes political signals, economic considerations, and a robust commitment to the rules-based international order. By inviting China into the conversation, the EU hopes to expand the set of options available for ending the war and achieving a durable settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security needs. The path forward remains uncertain, but the effort reflects a strategic belief that China’s engagement could matter significantly in shaping the incentives for Moscow to change course.
Ultimately, observers note that progress will hinge on concrete actions, verifiable commitments, and sustained diplomatic engagement. The EU’s message to Beijing centers on responsibility and accountability. If China can influence Russia toward restraint and real negotiations, it could redefine the contours of European security and set a precedent for how major powers manage regional crises in the years ahead.