Ukraine warXi objects to Russia sanctions in summit with France and Germany
Chinese leader commends efforts to negotiate, but steers clear of mediator role
Chinese President Xi Jinping, top, spoke virtually on March 8 with French President Emmanuel Macron, bottom left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, bottom right. © AP
TSUKASA HADANO, Nikkei staff writer
BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized sweeping sanctions against Russia in a virtual summit Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, while urging "maximum restraint" in Ukraine to avoid a humanitarian crisis.