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In an hourlong interview ahead of a European diplomatic mission to Beijing, China’s ambassador to the European Union said that critics had misinterpreted his country’s relationship with Russia, and suggested their ties may not be as limitless as their leaders once declared.
The Chinese ambassador, Fu Cong, spoke with The New York Times before Presidents Emmanuel Macron of France and Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission travel to China on Wednesday for a three-day trip.
The ambassador downplayed Russia and China’s declaration of a “no limits” friendship last year.
He defended the fact that Mr. Xi has not yet called President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
China will not provide arms for Russia to use in Ukraine now or in the future, the ambassador said.
The ambassador said a speech by the European Commission president revealed incoherence in E.U. policy toward China.
Mr. Fu suggested China was open to a deal with Europe on sanctions and investment.
The ambassador urged Europe to carve out its own policies distinct from the U.S., striking a key Chinese talking point.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/world/europe/eu-china-embassador-russia-fu-cong.html