Chinese leader endorses pause in conflicts during Olympics; The expectation is that the decision will influence Russia to join the truce
Chinese President Xi Jinping said this Monday (May 6, 2024) that he supports French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a global truce during the Paris Olympics in 2024. The support came after the French and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on the Chinese leader to influence Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“The world today is far from calm. As a member of the United Nations Security Council and as a responsible country, China calls with France for a truce in the world during the Paris Olympics.”, declared Xi, alongside Macron, at a meeting of leaders in Paris. This was the Chinese president’s first visit to Europe in 5 years.
The tradition of “Olympic truce”, which aims to suspend armed conflicts during the Games, is an objective that Macron has committed to achieving. With the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11 and the Paralympic Games until the end of August, Xi’s support is seen as a sign that he could persuade Russia to agree to a truce.
“To achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that fully respects international law and the Charter of the United Nations, this moment of coordination with China is crucial”said the French president on X.
The UN General Assembly (United Nations) has already adopted the Olympic Truce for Paris 2024, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to the mission of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and highlighting the contribution of sport to promoting peace.
Xi’s visit to the Élysée Palace also highlighted bilateral trade between Beijing and the Kremlin. China, which is a member of the UN Security Council, has strengthened ties with Russia in recent years and has seen its trade with the country reach a record US$240.1 billion in 2023, an increase of 26.3% in compared to the previous year.
“We count on China to use all its influence over Russia to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”von der Leyen told journalists after meeting with Xi and Macron at the Elysee Palace.
Tags: Jinping supports Olympic truce proposed Emmanuel Macron
