Norway asked Beijing to use its influence over Russia as criticism grows regarding China's support for the Kremlin during the war in Ukraine
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The government of Norway urged China to use its close relationship with the Kremlin to promote the start of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, while warning that Beijing's political and strategic support for Moscow remains one of the main obstacles to improving relations between China and Europe.
The request was made by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre after meeting in Oslo with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a tour of several Nordic countries that also included visits to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
During a press conference, Støre stated that the regime of Xi Jinpingis probably the actor with the greatest access and influence over the Russian leadership, so he considered that Beijing has the capacity to play a much more active role in bringing Moscow to the negotiating table.
The Prime Minister of Norway urged Xi Jinping's regime to use its influence with Russia to seek a solution to the war in Ukraine
The leader noted that the war in Ukraine occupied most of the discussions with Wang Yi and assured that Norway hopes that Chinese authorities use their privileged communication channel with Russian PresidentVladimir Putin to promote a negotiated solution to the conflict.
Støre also warned that the possibilities of deepening cooperation between Europe and China will remain limited as long as Beijing maintains a close partnership with Russia. In his view, the political and economic alignment of the Chinese regime with Moscow continues to undermine trust between China and European democracies.
Various Western governments have repeatedly accused China of indirectly supporting the Russian war effort through increased bilateral trade, the supply of dual-use components, and the diplomatic backing provided to the Kremlin in various international forums. Although Beijing claims to maintain a neutral position, its critics argue that this neutrality is not credible due to the depth of its strategic alliance with Russia.
Norway stated that the relations between China and Putin's government have deteriorated Beijing's relationship with Western governments
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described the dialogue held with the Chinese delegation as ''constructive and promising''. However, he avoided revealing details about Wang Yi's response regarding a possible Chinese mediation, limiting himself to noting that some statements from Beijing's representatives could be interpreted as positive signals.
Norwegian authorities reiterated that any peace process should begin without preconditions through a ceasefire based on the current front lines. According to Støre, accepting that formula already represents a significant concession on the part of Ukraine, as it would imply temporarily freezing the military situation within its own sovereign territory.
Despite European insistence, the official statement released by the Chinese state agency Xinhua after the meeting avoided any reference to the war in Ukraine or to Russia. Instead, the text focused exclusively on highlighting bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, and green technologies, as well as the commitment of both countries to an international system that China described as ''fairer and more reasonable''.
The Chinese Foreign Minister conducted a tour of several governments in the Nordic region
The omission of the Ukrainian conflict in the official Chinese version was interpreted by various observers as a sign of the caution with which Beijing handles a matter that could affect its strategic relationship with Moscow. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, China has avoided publicly condemning Russia and has maintained an ambiguous position that has allowed it to preserve its economic and political ties with the Kremlin while attempting to present itself as a possible mediator.
Critics of this strategy believe that Beijing seeks to project a neutral actor image without exerting real pressure on Russia to stop the war, prioritizing its geopolitical interests over a quick solution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a resolution to the war ''is closer than people think''. The president announced that the conflict in Ukraine will be one of the main topics he will address during his meetings in Turkey for the NATO summit, where allies will discuss new diplomatic and security initiatives to try to move towards a potential peace agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the end of the war in Ukraine is much closer than people think
