France urges China for decisive stance against Russia on Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Monday in Beijing that his country expects from China "a very clear message for Russia" regarding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine for over two years.

"We expect China to send a very clear message to Russia," Sejourne stated at a press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

He continued, "Europeans will not feel secure if there is no peace in accordance with international law." He stated that China could play a "key role" in respecting international law.

The French minister added that there is a need for a "balance of power favoring Ukraine".

AFP reports that China is currently Russia's closest ally. In this context, France aims to improve its relations with China.

"Sejourne's visit is the second visit of a French foreign minister to China in less than six months, after his predecessor, Catherine Colona, visited there in November," reports the French portal RFI.

President of China, Xi Jinping, is scheduled to visit France and Italy in May.

Source: PAP, RFI