Ukraine, Economic Ties In Focus In Xi-Michel Meeting

MNI (London-Finbarr Bermingham at SCMP sums up the +3hr meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and European Council President Charles Michel in Beijing: "Michel "underlined that EU counts on China, as a Permanent Member of UN Security Council to call on Russia to respect core principles of UN Charter, and contribute to ending Russia’s brutal destruction".

• Per EU readout: "Both leaders stressed that nuclear threats are irresponsible and highly dangerous. Addressing the security situation in East Asia, President Michel reiterated EU commitment to its One China Policy and recalled the EU’s longstanding position on the Taiwan Strait"
• Economy: "President Michel noted that EU-China trade was to the benefit of both sides – had contributed substantially to China’s dramatic economic rise" "They discussed the EU’s restrictive measures on China as well as the measures taken by China against the EU"
• Xi summarised EU-China ties [...] "There are no fundamental strategic differences and conflicts between China and the EU... China supports the EU's strategic autonomy and supports the unity and prosperity of Europe." EU should avoid "cold war mentality" "Properly manage differences. China and Europe have differences in history, culture, development level, and ideology. It is normal for the two sides to have different views on some issues."
• Ukraine: "Solving Ukrainian crisis through political means is in best interest of Europe and common interest of all countries in Eurasia. China supports EU in increasing its mediation, leading establishment of balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture"