French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on China to take a stronger role in convincing Russia to enter meaningful peace negotiations with Ukraine.
During a diplomatic meeting in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Barrot stressed that China’s influence over Russia could be a decisive factor in ending the war.
The two diplomats also discussed expanding economic cooperation between France and China, particularly in nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and environmental initiatives.
The French government has emphasized the need for urgent diplomatic action, with growing concerns that prolonged conflict in Ukraine could lead to further instability in Europe. While China has maintained a neutral stance on the war, its potential role as a mediator remains a subject of international debate.