China's ability to put pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine is "extremely useful." “China has an important role . . . to exercise pressure on Russia," French President Emmanuel Macron told Nikkei and the Financial Times.

He said the Chinese leader had the opportunity to tell Russian President Vladimir Putin that "we work together, we respect each other but you cannot cross the line on nuclear [weapons] and you have to pay attention to international law," “This reminder is extremely useful,” Macron said.

“What we decided at the G20 with China, India and a lot of others around the table was very important because we expressed this concern — it was a call for peace,” Macron said. “Russia received the message from the international community, and especially from China, about the fact that peace has to be restored.”