Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is on a European trip as China strives to prevent its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war from weakening its Western relations – Photo: Hector Retamal/AFP

A three-nation European tour by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will conclude today.

Discussions on bilateral economic relations and the regional European security environment – with the war in Ukraine and its open-ended partnership with Russia – were held with top diplomats from France, Germany and Norway.

Qin’s visit comes after Beijing reaffirmed that it respects the sovereignty of all former Soviet countries. The statement follows criticism drawn by comments from Lu Shaye, China’s ambassador to France , who said that former Soviet states don’t have “effective status in international law”. European nations have also repeatedly criticized China for its refusal to explicitly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Against this backdrop, the European Commission’s foreign policy unit is working on blacklisting several Chinese companies considered to be involved in circumventing Russia’s trade restrictions.

Despite current tensions, EU-China engagement is expected to continue in the short-term. In April, French President Macron and EU President Ursula von der Leyen met with President Xi Jinping, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining mutually beneficial cooperation. While Lu’s comments angered Europe and may undermine China’s role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, they indicate China’s prioritization of strong Sino-Russo ties in the near future.