Borrell calls on China to influence Russia to end its war against Ukraine

Josep Borrell. Photo: ukrinform.ua

During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held in Laos on Friday as part of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell urged China to promote the peace process in Ukraine and cease the export of dual-purpose goods to Russia, which enables the aggressor to bolster its weapons production, Ukrinform reports.

“EU High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell met with the Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, Laos, on July 26. They discussed EU-China relations. The HR/VP emphasized that the EU and China need to recognize their respective concerns. Foremost among these is China’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which negatively impacts EU-China relations. The HR/VP explained why the European Union views Russia’s war against Ukraine as an existential threat to Europe. He expressed concern that China’s exports of significant amounts of dual-use goods and items provide support for Russia to enhance its military capabilities,” the statement said.

Borrell called on China to leverage its influence over Russia to help end the war. He asked China to support the Ukraine peace process, noting that the joint statement with Brazil from May 2024 does not align with this direction.

In late May, China and Brazil announced a joint stance on the political settlement of the “crisis in Ukraine,” advocating for a peace conference recognized by both Ukraine and Russia, with equal participation from all parties and consideration of all peace plans.

The joint statement outlined six points for achieving peace in Ukraine but did not address the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made a working visit to China, where he articulated Ukraine’s position on achieving a lasting and just peace after the end of Russian aggression.

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