French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on April 1 that Paris expects China to send "clear messages" to its close partner Russia over its war in Ukraine, after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing. France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years and, during meetings in Paris in February, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance. But Paris has also sought to press Beijing on its close ties with Moscow, which have only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine.
France Seeking 'Clear Message' From China To Russia Over Ukraine War
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne (left) and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, attend a joint press conference in Beijing on April 1.