French Foreign Minister Engages China on Ukraine and Trade Tensions

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visits China, engaging in talks with his Chinese counterpart on Ukraine and trade disputes. Barrot aims to gauge China's stance on Ukraine before a French peacekeeping meeting. The visit also addresses longstanding complaints about China's trade practices in Europe.

In a diplomatic endeavor, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commenced a two-day visit to China, prioritizing discussions on Ukraine and intricate trade issues straining China-EU relations.

Barrot engaged in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, followed by a media briefing. His agenda includes a trip to Shanghai to meet with local officials and business elites.

This visit comes against a backdrop of Europe's support for Ukraine contrasting Beijing's diplomatic backing of Russia. Barrot aims to gauge China's stance before a key French-hosted peacekeeping assembly, amid US-Europe fissures over Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)