Von der Leyen urged China to limit cooperation with Russia

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called on Beijing to reconsider its foreign policy course and limit interaction with Moscow. She stated this on July 8 at the plenary session of the European Parliament on the eve of the EU–China summit.

"Security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is more interconnected than it has been for many years. And this relationship is rapidly strengthening. It is in our interests to work together [with Beijing], but we are aware that China's unwavering support for Russia creates increased instability and danger for Europe," von der Leyen stressed, speaking about geopolitical risks.

According to her, Beijing's current position actually allegedly contributes to strengthening Russia's "military economy."

"We can say that China de facto supports Russia's military economy, but we cannot agree with this," she said.

Von der Leyen recalled that further relations between Brussels and Beijing directly depend on China's position on the Ukrainian conflict. She also noted that if China positions itself as a supporter of the international rules-based order, then it should clearly condemn Russia's actions.

In addition, von der Leyen stressed that Beijing, declaring its commitment to multilateral relations, must comply with the norms and principles of international trade enshrined in the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Chinese portal: Russia and China plan to agree on new visa-free conditions in June

The minimum number of people in a group for free entry can be reduced to three people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a conversation with a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang, said on June 20 that diplomatic relations between Russia and China are a powerful factor for stability in the world.