Macron defends his stance
“I will continue to talk to Russia”
1/28/2023 1:29 am
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron is one of the few Western leaders not to cut ties with Moscow. In a speech in Paris, the French President defended his stance. He also addresses words to the leadership in Beijing.
French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to continue speaking to Russian officials despite the war of aggression against Ukraine. Some would have accused him of “speaking to Russia – and I will continue to speak to Russia,” said Macron on Friday at a reception in the Elysée Palace for the Lunar New Year celebrated in many Asian countries. In his message, Macron also appealed to China to influence Russia.
“All our countries” should “hold a position that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Macron at the reception in front of numerous personalities from business, the arts and academia associated with Asia. This applies “regardless of the friendships and alliances that one may cultivate”.
“But who could defend the possibility of a free and stable international order if we turn a blind eye to imperialist war?” Macron said, referring to China.
Macron is one of the few Western leaders to have kept in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. Shortly before the G20 summit in Indonesia last November, Macron asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to bring Russia to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine. At the time, he said China was also interested in “stability” in the world.
Moscow and Beijing see themselves as a geopolitical counterweight to the US and its allies. Russia is also trying to strengthen its ties with China in the face of massive Western sanctions against the country. The US and its partners fear that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing itself may attempt to invade Taiwan. China is also accused of pursuing expansion efforts in the South China Sea.