France wants China to send 'clear message' to Russia over Ukraine war

France's top diplomat said Monday that Paris expects China to send "Clear messages" to its close partner Russia over its war in Ukraine, after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing. France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years and, during meetings in Paris in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "Independent" stance. Paris has also sought to press Beijing on its close ties with Moscow, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne saying it wanted "China to send very clear messages to Russia" over its war in Ukraine. Sejourne's visit is the second to China by a French foreign minister in less than six months, following a trip by his predecessor, Catherine Colonna, in November. He faced accusations of cozying up to Beijing and sparked controversy by saying Europe shouldn't be a "Follower" of the United States in the event of conflict with China over Taiwan. France's efforts to improve ties with Beijing come as the EU seeks to shield itself from excessive reliance on China. The EU increasingly views China as a "Partner" but also as "An economic competitor and systemic rival", a report by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said last month.