France expects 'clear messages' from China to Russia over Ukraine war

France's top diplomat said on Monday that Paris wants China to send "Clear messages" to its strategic ally 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, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "Independent" stance. While China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive. Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said Monday that Beijing "Plays a key role in... the respect of international law, including on Ukraine's sovereignty, and therefore we are clearly expecting that China will send very clear messages to Russia". He faced accusations of cosying 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. His foreign minister's visit this week comes as part of events marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and 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.