France urges China to help stop war

France said on May 22 that it is using its diplomatic dialogue with China to press Beijing to influence Russia and help end the war in Ukraine. Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, made the comment at a briefing reported by Ukrinform. France’s public appeal underlines how European governments are still trying to test whether Beijing will use its ties with Moscow in support of a settlement. China has presented itself as a potential mediator while maintaining close political and economic relations with Russia. ### What exactly did France say about China’s role? Pascal Confavreux said France is using its dialogue with China to urge Beijing to influence Russia and help bring about an end to the war against Ukraine, according to Ukrinform’s report from the briefing on May 22. The remark was a public statement of a line Paris has pursued for months: keeping channels open with Beijing while pressing it on Russia’s invasion. (ukrinform.net) France’s foreign ministry has also kept Ukraine high on its broader diplomatic agenda. On May 18, France said it had joined 40 other OSCE states in invoking the Moscow Mechanism over the abduction of Ukrainian children, describing the move as part of efforts to document rights abuses linked to the war. (ukrinform.net) ### Why is Paris talking to Beijing instead of only talking to Moscow? China has positioned itself as one of the few major powers with regular access to both Moscow and Kyiv. Ukrinform reported in July 2025 that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his French counterpart that Beijing was ready to enhance strategic communication and coordination with France to support a political resolution of what China calls the “Ukrainian crisis.” (uk.diplomatie.gouv.fr) China’s own public line has been that it supports negotiations and is in contact with all parties. In a November 2025 report, Ukrinform quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying Beijing supports negotiations and other efforts aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine and is engaging with Ukraine and Russia. (ukrinform.net) ### Why does Xi Jinping now look central to several crises? The Conversation reported on May 22 that Xi Jinping has recently hosted both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, alongside visits by other world leaders. The article said “all roads appear to lead to Xi Jinping” in current diplomacy, describing Beijing as a focal point for talks that extend beyond the war in Ukraine. (ukrinform.net) That pattern matters for Europe because it places China at the center of negotiations involving a war on the European continent. The same analysis said leaders from Washington and Moscow had sought Xi’s favor in recent months, adding to Beijing’s leverage across several international disputes. ### Has China actually shifted Russia’s course on the war? (theconversation.com) China has not publicly committed to using coercive pressure on Russia, and its statements have continued to emphasize dialogue rather than penalties or deadlines. Beijing has repeatedly framed its role as supporting talks, while avoiding direct public criticism of Moscow for the invasion. (theconversation.com) France’s appeal therefore amounts to a request for China to convert access into influence. Paris has not announced a new joint French-Chinese initiative on Ukraine, and the May 22 comment was framed as part of ongoing diplomatic dialogue rather than a new mediation format. ### What should readers watch next? Beijing is due to host more foreign leaders in the coming days, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić scheduled to begin a four-day visit on May 24, according to The Conversation. (ukrinform.net) France’s next public signals are likely to come through foreign ministry briefings or statements on its Ukraine diplomacy and contacts with China. (theconversation.com) (ukrinform.net)