In a crucial meeting held in Paris on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called upon China to use its influence to persuade Russia to cease its aggression in Ukraine and curb Iran's proliferation of missiles and drones. The talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which also touched upon trade issues, provided an opportunity for the EU to address various concerns.

Von der Leyen expressed the EU's reliance on China to exert pressure on Russia, urging them to end the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. She commended President Xi for his role in de-escalating Russia's nuclear threats and expressed confidence that he would continue to do so amidst the backdrop of continuing nuclear risks.

Coincidentally, the meeting took place on the same day the Kremlin announced Russian President Vladimir Putin's order of nuclear drills. Moscow stated that these exercises were a response to Western countries' discussions about deploying troops to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously stated that France would consider sending ground troops if requested by Kyiv.

Von der Leyen further articulated the EU's hopes for China's involvement in restricting the irresponsible proliferation of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. The discussions also focused on trade relations, with both von der Leyen and Macron pressing for a more balanced approach. They called upon President Xi to ensure fairer trade practices between China and the EU, emphasizing the need to address issues of unequal market access and state subsidies.

Addressing the topic of trade, von der Leyen highlighted the negative impact of unequal market access and Chinese state subsidies on the EU-China relationship. She stressed that the EU cannot absorb an overwhelming influx of Chinese industrial goods, affirming that Europe will make tough decisions to safeguard its market.

Prior to the talks, President Xi acknowledged the significance of China and Europe's relations, emphasizing the need for a strong partnership amidst global uncertainties. He expressed China's commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Europe, viewing the relationship as a priority in China's foreign policy.

President Xi's visit to Europe comes at a time of escalating business tensions, with the EU conducting investigations into Chinese industries like electric vehicles while China conducts its own probes into French-made brandy. The meeting in Paris marked President Xi's first visit to Europe in five years, underscoring the importance of addressing these concerns and nurturing stronger ties.

The discussions between the EU and China serve as a crucial opportunity to address not only the urgent crisis in Ukraine but also to foster fairer trade practices. As both sides navigate through a changing global landscape, the outcome of these talks will shape the future trajectory of their relationship.