China is not Europe and European Union’s move to tie Chinese relations to Ukraine war is unfair. China’s interests are different from those of Europe and China maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine,” stated Fu Cong, China’s Ambassador to the EU.
On May 28, 2023, in an interview with the British magazine, The New Statesman, Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the EU, made a statement on the relationship between the conflict in Ukraine and Sino-EU relations. Fu said it was unjust and illogical for European politicians to connect China’s position on the Ukrainian situation with its bilateral relationship with the EU. He emphasized that China has good relations with Russia and Ukraine and that its interests differ from those of Europe.
“China is not Europe, China’s interests are different from those of Europe and China maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. China’s position is understandable.”
The article also stated that the EU is ready to impose more sanctions on Russia, some directed at Chinese companies for the first time. Fu criticized the measures and warned of a strong response if they go into effect. He argued for a diplomatic resolution and peace talks while defending China’s impartial stance on Ukraine and highlighting its role as a peacemaker.
Furthermore, the article also referenced Li Hui, China’s special envoy, who recently visited European nations, including Ukraine and Russia, as part of a peace mission to advance China’s 12-point plan to end the war in Ukraine. The peace negotiations, however, ran into difficulties because China’s position is allegedly still “pro-Russia,” according to Western diplomats.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that he had contacted relevant European officials in the countries that Li visited, and “none of them” confirmed that Li had proposed recognising the Russian-occupied territories.
Fu commented on the growing calls to “de-risk” economic relations with China and urged Europe to clarify its approach. He cautioned against excluding China from the global supply chain and highlighted the need for dialogue and cooperation.
Lastly he highlighted the role US played in EU’s decisions regarding China, such as the ban on Huawei, limitations on semiconductor exports, and the freezing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Fu criticized the US for influencing the EU and called for the CAI not to be politicized, emphasizing the importance of common interests outweighing differences. “We should not allow our differences to define our relationship,” he said.
