Chinese President Xi Jinping warns it could take decades to repair economic damage caused by Ukraine crisis
- Xi urges EU leaders not to ‘tie the world’ to the conflict and warns that spillover effects could set back decades of international cooperation
- European leaders urged Beijing not to ‘interfere’ with sanctions on Russia and say ‘clearly opposing’ views on the conflict were expressed
“Many people are very worried that the current situation may destroy the achievements of decades of international economic cooperation. If the situation continues to deteriorate, it is estimated that it may take years, or even decades, to recover afterwards,” Xi said, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
The EU said later that it urged Beijing not to “interfere” with sanctions on Russia and while the two sides agreed on working to end the conflict, they had expressed “opposing views” on the situation.
“The more critical the situation, the more sobriety and calm is needed,” the Chinese leader said.
“The current world economic structure is a framework formed by the long-term efforts of all countries in the world. All parties should cherish this achievement and not easily impact the existing world economic system.