China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials that enable them to produce weapons, Kallas maintained when she was grilled in the EU Parliament on Tuesday, according to the news agency DPA.
– Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to continue the war with the same strength, Kallas stated.
Warns against quick peace
The inquiry is part of the process of being approved. That the parliament will give the thumbs up is, however, beyond doubt after EU member states this summer stood behind the Estonian 47-year-old’s candidacy.
Kallas, who is considered a hawk on Russia, also promises to support Ukraine “as long as necessary”, as well as to build a bridge to the incoming US President Donald Trump.
At the same time, she warns against a quick peace solution in Ukraine, as Trump has said he will achieve.
It could mean that Ukraine must cede territory to Russia.
– There is a difference between peace and peace, says Kallas and points out that previous peace agreements with Russia have been broken. A quick peace could create new problems, she believes.
Must stand together
– We want a sustainable peace. Because if we just give in and tell the aggressor “ok, just take what you want”, then aggressors all over the world will be told that it can pay off, says Kallas, according to Ritzau.
She also believes that it is very important that the EU’s 27 member states, who can have rather divergent opinions on various matters, stand more united in order to give the union more geopolitical weight.
– The world is on fire, so we have to stick together, she says.
#EUs #foreign #affairs #chief #tougher #China
What specific sanctions and economic measures does Kaja Kallas propose for China in response to its support for Russia’s military efforts?
**Interview with EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief, Kaja Kallas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kaja. In light of recent developments, you stated in the EU Parliament that “China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials that enable them to produce weapons.” Can you elaborate on what measures you believe the EU should take in response to China’s role in the war?
**Kaja Kallas:** Certainly. It’s crucial that we recognize the implications of China’s support for Russia. We need to implement sanctions and economic measures that hold China accountable for its actions which directly sustain the war effort. This isn’t just about punishing China; it’s about ensuring that the global order is upheld and aggressors cannot act with impunity.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that without China’s support, Russia wouldn’t be able to continue the war as strongly. What steps do you propose to diminish this support?
**Kaja Kallas:** We should focus on tightening trade links and monitoring exports to ensure that materials flowing to Russia are severely restricted. Additionally, fostering unity among EU member states will amplify our geopolitical weight, allowing us to present a strong front against any country undermining international stability.
**Interviewer:** In your remarks, you cautioned against “quick peace” solutions for Ukraine, especially in the context of statements made by incoming US President Trump. Why do you think these quick fixes could be problematic?
**Kaja Kallas:** A quick peace could potentially lead to Ukraine ceding territory, setting a dangerous precedent. The history of agreements with Russia shows that they are often broken. We need a comprehensive and sustainable peace that does not reward aggression, as that could embolden other aggressors worldwide.
**Interviewer:** You stressed the need for EU unity in the face of such global challenges. Given the differing opinions among member states, how do you envision achieving this?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s a challenge, but we must prioritize our shared values and security. By engaging in open dialog and focusing on common interests—such as defending democracy and sovereignty—we can build a stronger, more unified EU. The motto must be “together we are stronger” as we navigate these tumultuous times.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Kaja. One final question to provoke thought among our readers: As the EU grapples with its stance against China and its relationship with Russia, do you believe that taking a harder line against one at the expense of the other could threaten global balance? What are your thoughts on this nuanced challenge?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s an important question. Balancing our responses is crucial. While holding China accountable is essential, we must also be vigilant about the implications of our actions on global stability and diplomatic relations. The key lies in carefully orchestrated diplomatic strategies that protect our interests while fostering global peace and security.
