France Sees China Easing Stance on Ukraine Before G-20 Summit

  • China’s past neutral position had effectively benefited Moscow
  • Beijing takes softer line compared to last year, official says

Xi Jinping

Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
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China has softened its stance on the war in Ukraine in the run-up to a summit of Group of 20 nations, according to a senior French official.

While refraining from overtly supporting Russia which invaded Ukraine in 2022, China has in the past maintained a neutral position that effectively benefited Moscow. Western countries, especially France, have urged China to pressure Russia to end the war.