Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his intention to work closely with France and the international community to address the crisis in Ukraine. During his state visit to Paris, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of finding peaceful solutions and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

President Xi Jinping of China flies to Paris: "I intend to work with France to resolve the crisis in Ukraine"

Chinese President Xi Jinping intends to "collaborate with France and the entire international community" to "resolve the crisis" in Ukraine. Xi himself stated this in an article for the French newspaper "Le Figaro" during his state visit which began today. "We hope that peace and stability will quickly return to Europe and we intend to work with France and the entire international community to find good ways to resolve the crisis," Xi wrote in the article. "We understand the disruptions the Ukrainian crisis is causing to European countries. China is not the origin of this crisis and is neither a part nor a participant in it," added the Chinese head of state. Xi also assured that China has "always played a constructive role in promoting a peaceful solution" in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Furthermore, the Chinese President added that he has repeatedly called for "respecting the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter", as well as "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries while taking into account the legitimate security concerns of various parties". Xi also emphasized the "imperative need to not use nuclear weapons". Finally, Xi noted that China "has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine" and has attempted a diplomatic path through a special envoy.

The Chinese President recently arrived in Paris for a two-day visit, marking the beginning of his first European tour in 2019. Upon his arrival at Paris Orly Airport, he was greeted by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Tomorrow, Xi will meet Macron, offering an opportunity to celebrate the 60 years of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations. In the morning, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will join the Franco-Chinese duo at the Elysee Palace for a session discussing commercial disputes that have created friction between Brussels and Beijing. Additionally, a Franco-Chinese economic forum is scheduled for tomorrow morning at the Marigny theater. In the afternoon, following an elaborate welcome ceremony at Les Invalides and before a lunch at the Elysee Palace, Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping will meet face-to-face for the real political confrontation at the core of the Chinese President's visit. At the conclusion of their talks, the two heads of state will address the press. The French President intends to ask the Chinese to support an "Olympic truce" for "all" conflicts during the Paris Games taking place in the summer. Furthermore, Macron hopes that China will cease its support for the Russian war machine amid the invasion of Ukraine and leverage the "levers" available from Moscow to "contribute to resolving this conflict", according to the Elysee.

The visit will conclude on Tuesday with what the French press calls "an escape" to the Pyrenees. Macron and Xi will have lunch together with their spouses on Tourmalet Hill. A symbolic location for the owner of the Elysee who spent his childhood holidays on this mountain pass. In this more informal setting, Macron will try to establish a more direct dialogue, particularly regarding Ukraine. On the delicate issue of human rights, the French President stated in an interview with "La Tribune" that he prefers to discuss "disagreements" rather than "behind closed doors". The meeting in the Pyrenees will be the final meeting of Xi's French visit, after which he will continue his tour to Serbia and Hungary.