EU calls on Beijing to ‘press Russia’ to stop war in Ukraine

This statement was made at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, CNN reports.

"China has a special responsibility in the world. It has to play by international rules. And we call on China to press Russia to stop its military aggression," Michel said.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the bloc's relations with Beijing, saying that "stable and constructive relation with China is in our mutual interest"

However, Michel added that the EU will remain firm in its values and promote its interests.

Michel emphasized "need to engage together with China on global challenges: climate change, conservation of natural resources; biodiversity; debt sustainability", given its role in the international community and its emerging economy.

• Earlier, China presented a so-called peace plan, which called the war in Ukraine a "crisis."