Von der Leyen made the statements during a press conference she held alone, but European correspondent Stefan de Vries thinks there are no concrete agreements yet. “It’s a clear message,” says De Vries. “It is likely that you said the same words directly to Xi’s face.”
The hard tone and loose form of the press conference contrast sharply with the press conference held minutes earlier with French President Emmanuel Macron – who asked Von der Leyen to go to China – and Xi. Where, for example, at the press conference with the French and Chinese presidents, no questions could be asked by the journalist present, Von der Leyen took the time for all the questions.
Good cop, bad cop
A billion-dollar deal with Airbus was also proudly presented at the press conference with Macron and Xi, and it looks like Macron and Von der Leyen will play the role of ‘good cop’ and ‘bad cop’ respectively, according to the British BBC . De Vries: “It also shows that individual member states have their own agenda, but Von der Leyen is obviously above that as the European Commission. That’s why it’s stricter.”
“Von der Leyen speaks on behalf of 450 million Europeans, the largest economic bloc in the world”
De Vries therefore expects that Von der Leyen’s harsh language will certainly have an effect on Xi, especially as the stakes are tremendous. “Von der Leyen speaks on behalf of 450 million Europeans, the largest economic bloc in the world,” he continues. “So he certainly won’t be amused by the possible consequences, although it’s not clear what exactly they will be.”
Small commitment
He expects this could result in new restrictions on the import and export of technology or sanctions. And China will be sensitive to this, “but so far China seems absolutely reluctant to part with its relationship with Russia,” concludes de Vries. “Or use that band to apply pressure. All Xi has said is that he is willing to call Zelensky to see if peace can be achieved. But that’s a poor promise.”