Washington and Paris give the green light for China to mediate in the Ukraine war

French and US Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden agreed over the phone that China has a role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.Before his state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron coordinated with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. The French Embassy in Washington said: "Both heads of state discussed their common desire to engage China to expedite the end of the war in Ukraine and participate in building a lasting peace in the region."

The Elysee Palace said: "Given the close proximity between China and Russia, it is clear that China is one of the few countries in the world, if not the only country, that can have a game-changing effect on this conflict."This Wednesday morning, the French President arrived in China for his state visit. He will be accompanied by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.The French President first wants to meet members of the French community in China. The official talks begin on Thursday. After a meeting with the new Chinese head of government, Li Qiang, Macron will be received by head of state and party leader Xi Jinping.