China – Meeting with the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs - Statement by the ministry for Europe and foreign Affairs spokesperson (23 May 2023)

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The Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, Mr Li Hui, was received by the Director General of Political and Security Affairs of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, M. Frédéric Mondoloni, on Tuesday 23 May. The meeting built on the in-depth discussions between France and China about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine which President Macron wanted following his State visit to China from 5 to 8 April 2023, and the Minister’s talks with her counterpart, Mr Qin Gang, on 10 May 2023.

The Director General of Political and Security Affairs welcomed Li Hui’s visit to Europe and the resumption of dialogue between China and Ukraine. He emphasized that France was convinced China could play a constructive role with a view to the return of a just and lasting peace in Europe in accordance with international law, in particular [on] Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that this return to a just and lasting peace was in everyone’s interest.

The Director General of Political and Security Affairs emphasized Russia’s full responsibility for the unleashing and continuation of the war. He recalled that Ukraine was exercising its right to self-defence and reiterated that France and the European Union were determined to support it in the long term, in every field.

The two foreign ministries agreed to remain in close contact on this priority issue.