Macron to visit China in early April amid Ukraine peace talks
French President Emmanuel Macron is slated to travel to China in early April, a move seen as a signal of Paris’s preference to engage Beijing in shaping the path toward peace in Ukraine. The visit follows Macron’s remarks at the International Hall of Agriculture, where he noted China’s constructive stance in backing efforts to halt the conflict and support diplomatic solutions.
During public remarks, Macron stressed that China can help apply pressure on Russia to refrain from using nuclear or chemical weapons and to stop the aggression as negotiations begin. He underscored that any lasting settlement in Ukraine will require some form of territorial clarity, a point he framed as essential to achieving a credible ceasefire and a sustainable political agreement.
In remarks made prior to the trip, Macron suggested that resolving the Ukrainian crisis without concessions on sovereignty would be unlikely. He highlighted the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the rights of its citizens amid ongoing hostilities. The French leader’s comments reflect a broader view in European capitals that dialogue with major powers like China could influence Russia’s calculus and pave the way for constructive negotiations.
Beijing recently presented a framework intended to guide a peaceful resolution, outlining twelve articles that emphasize sovereignty, the cessation of arms racing, the end of hostilities, and the opening of peace talks. The document also calls for restraint and a commitment to de-escalation as a prerequisite for any meaningful talks. Observers note that the plan aligns with long-standing calls for international law to be respected and for all sides to engage in good-faith diplomacy. Further details were reported by sources including socialbites.ca (Source: socialbites.ca).