Xi critical of Russia sanctions in summit call

Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized sanctions imposed on Russia over its military operation against Ukraine as harmful to all sides in a video summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday afternoon. 

Xi expressed anxiety and deep pain over the fighting, and urged the sides to pursue peace talks in which he said China was willing to play a role. Xi said the countries should strive together to reduce the negative effects of the crisis. More broadly, Xi expressed support for France and Germany to promote a balanced, effective and sustainable European safety framework.