Not a controversial stance for an European nation but the joint statement is interesting. Could this be a part of a deal for China to flip on Russia. Does China choose to stay with an ideological reactionary ally or move towards collaborations
The headline is a bit misleading. The article elaborates some, for example:
In other remarks, Crosetto said that if Russian troops were to occupy Kyiv, it would "inevitably lead to a clash with other nations, which would not accept Russian tanks on their borders."
European nations have been voicing the need of peace from the beginning, it's just that the negotiating third parties can't get Russia to participate in a dialogue. Which leads to desperate stuff like France asking for China to do their part (desperate because they'd need some unlikely deal incentive to flip).
I was thinking of that situation as well, and I remember there was some foul play around that plan. The gist might have been that the Russian envoy did appear at the location but wouldn't negotiate. Time will tell if we ever find out the truth.
They kinda pretend to play both sides, kinda not. Left hand says peace talks (without action and on Russia's terms), right hand helps Russia with resources.
China tech giant Baidu’s V-P apologises after backlash over tough style ( www.straitstimes.com )
France joins China to condemn Israel’s Rafah attack plans in sign the European power is veering from US on key issues ( www.scmp.com )
Italy calls for Ukraine truce, peace talks with Putin ( www.reuters.com )
Xi Jinping begins first European tour in five years in France [6 May 2024 | Al Jazeera] ( www.aljazeera.com )
China's representative points out at the ICJ that armed resistance against occupation is enshrined in international law and is not terrorism. ( media.mas.to )
https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/386/280/617/135/463/original/1740b068eeaf7aff.mp4