The European Union’s foreign policy Chief, Josep Borrell on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, criticized China for its support of Russia amid the invasion of Ukraine and called it “a blatant violation” of Beijing’s United Nations commitments.
Standing alongside visiting U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Borrell was forceful in his condemnation of a nation that has increasingly moved from being a partner to being a rival on the global stage.
“There cannot be siding with the aggressor. There is a clear expectation from a permanent member of the (U.N.) Security Council to stand up in defense of international rules-based order and China as a moral duty to contribute to a fair peace.”
Josep Borrell
Even if Beijing claims that it is neutral in the war, Xi Jinping’s visit with Russian President, Vladimir Putin in Moscow two weeks ago had all the visuals and speeches of a meeting among trusted friends.
“They agreed on the need to not deploy nuclear arms abroad,” Borrell said of the Moscow meeting. “Some days later, Russia deployed tactical weapons, nuclear tactical weapons in Belarus,” he added, referring to an announcement by Putin of plans to deploy such weapons.
In announcing that plan, Putin averred that it was triggered by Britain’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium.
Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield and have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted to long-range missiles.
Putin argued that by deploying its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia was following the lead of the United States, noting that the U.S. has nuclear weapons based in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey.
“We are doing what they have been doing for decades, stationing them in certain allied countries, preparing the launch platforms and training their crews. We are going to do the same thing.”
Vladimir Putin
In response, the U.S. disclosed that it would “monitor the implications” of Putin’s announcement. U.S National Security Council Spokesperson, Adrienne Watson said, “We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture nor any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon.”
“We remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO alliance,” Watson added.
EU Relations With Beijing To Be Determined By China’s Stance On Russia
Also, Josep Borrell divulged that he was looking for a change of heart in Beijing if relations were not to deteriorate.
“We have been clear with China that its position on Russia’s atrocities and war crimes will determine the quality of our relations with Beijing.”
Josep Borrell
The comments come just ahead of a visit of EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen together with French President Emmanuel Macron to China, where both will press the point that EU-China relations will pivot on Beijing’s friendship with Russia.
Macron and von der Leyen are set to warn China against sending weapons to Russia during talks with President Xi Jinping on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Trade will also be a major focus as Macron has asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to join him for a meeting with Xi that is meant to show European unity especially on economic issues.
The French President said last month that he took such an initiative because he is “attached to European coordination.”
Macron will be accompanied by a delegation of over 50 CEOs including from French energy giant EDF, rail transport manufacturer Alstom and European plane-maker Airbus.
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