The chief diplomat of the European Union, Josep Borrell, warned that China's position and actions regarding Russia's war against Ukraine are one of the factors that will determine future relations between Beijing and Europe.
He mentions this in a speech he planned to deliver during his visit to China, but published it in writing - because he fell ill with the coronavirus and the trip was cancelled.
The high representative of the EU noted that Russia's war against Ukraine is a huge security challenge for the European Union, and also reminded that the invasion of Ukraine, by which Russia seriously undermined the international order, was condemned by 141 UN member states.
"I am not going to lecture China or give advice - because I respect China's independence and sovereignty. However, I have to say in a friendly way: it will be extremely difficult for the EU, if at all possible, to maintain trusting relations with China (which I would like), if China does not will contribute to the search for a political solution (to end the war. - EP), which would be based on the fact that Russia leaves the territory of Ukraine," Josep Borrell emphasized.
"Neutrality in conditions where there is a violation of international law does not inspire confidence. We do not ask anyone to join our own position. We only ask to recognize that in this case we are talking about a gross violation of international law. Therefore, I think it would be good, if President Xi spoke with President Zelenskyі, and if China provided more substantial humanitarian aid for Ukrainians suffering from the war," the diplomat said.
He notes that the Kremlin has found itself in a difficult situation since its hopes of a lightning-quick victory failed - and is therefore very interested in having China on its side.
Borrell also recalled that Russia, having just promised alongside China not to deploy nuclear weapons outside its territory, announced that it would do so in Belarus.
"We will be very attentive to any steps that China will take to finally force the Russian leadership to listen to common sense. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has a great responsibility. We hope that Beijing will use its influence, as it has already done. , in particular, in the Middle East, contributing to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran," said the EU's chief diplomat.