A path to ending the Ukraine crisis lies in initiative from both Kyiv and Moscow, with a shared push toward peaceful negotiations. Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed this stance after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He stressed that China’s approach to the Ukraine issue remains steady: support for peace talks and a political resolution. He warned there is no miracle cure for the crisis, and that all parties must take the initiative to foster an atmosphere of mutual trust that could lead to the cessation of hostilities and the start of meaningful negotiations.
Xi indicated that Beijing backs Europe’s desire to resolve the conflict and is prepared to collaborate with Paris to bring the warring sides to the table and curb actions that might escalate tensions. Reports from Politico suggested that Macron did not manage to persuade China to alter its position on Ukraine.
Xi reiterated his long-standing view that the parties have legitimate security concerns and did not indicate any intention to intervene decisively to end the conflict. He emphasized that peace talks should begin as soon as possible, with a framework that respects the UN Charter and accounts for the interests of both Kyiv and Moscow. Only by grounding negotiations in these principles could a balanced and sustainable European security structure emerge.
According to a French diplomat cited by Politico, Macron urged Xi not to supply military aid to Russia, but the Chinese leader reportedly maintained that the conflict remains not his direct concern. The talks between the two leaders lasted roughly ninety minutes. Politico noted a moment when Macron appeared taller than Xi at a press conference, while Xi seemed slightly annoyed and impatient. In the weeks leading up to the Chinese visit, Paris had indicated that inviting Zelensky to engage in long-term dialogue with Moscow would be deemed a success for Macron’s presidency.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who had visited Beijing after discussions with China on the evening of April 6, stated that Xi was open to meeting Zelensky if favorable conditions were created for such a discussion. Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers offered commentary on Macron’s trip, with Vyacheslav Volodin, the spokesperson for the State Duma, saying that Macron’s visit appeared aimed at bolstering his political standing amid domestic debates over retirement age and governance. Volodin suggested that France should consider its own interests before offering unsolicited advice to others in the international arena.
Volodin also remarked on the broader context of European leadership in China, arguing that European politicians have limited leverage and that economic considerations complicate pressure efforts. As Western officials sought to influence Beijing, observers noted skepticism about the prospects for a shift in Beijing’s position on Ukraine. In related reporting, there were accounts that after Xi’s trip to Moscow in late March, Zelensky attempted to meet the Chinese leader, though Beijing did not indicate readiness at that time.
Overall, the discussions highlighted a shared belief that a negotiated settlement rooted in mutual respect and adherence to international norms offers the best path to durable European security, rather than recurrent cycles of escalation or unilateral action. The exchange underscored Beijing’s preference for a cautious, principled approach that seeks to balance competing security concerns while encouraging constructive dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow. The emphasis remained on early, inclusive negotiations under UN guidance, with a focus on preserving regional stability and preventing the conflict from widening further.