European lawmakers urge Canada to press China over its support for Russian war

European lawmakers urge Canada to press China over its support for Russian war STEVEN CHASE SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO Open this photo in gallery: A supporter of Ukraine rallies outside the Embassy of Russia in Ottawa last month. Eight politicians who belong to the United for Ukraine Parliamentary Network are meeting with Canadian decision-makers. JUSTIN TANG/THE CANADIAN PRESS COMMENTS SHARE SAVE FOR LATER Listen to this article Learn more about audio Log in or create a free account to listen to this article. A delegation of European lawmakers is in Ottawa this week urging Canada to mount a more forceful response to Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine, including pressing China into ending its support for Moscow in the conflict. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, was among a group of eight politicians who belong to the United for Ukraine Parliamentary Network and are meeting with Canadian decision-makers. She said Canada has been exemplary in applying sanctions along with other Western allies against Russians and others responsible for Moscow’s assault on Ukraine. Ms. Klympush-Tsintsadze said Canada should more directly help Europeans in “cutting the Russian ability to carry on this war effort” by finding ways to ship natural gas and oil to the continent and supplant Moscow’s energy sales to Europe. She remarked on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to strengthen ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying Ottawa should speak up for Ukraine when talking to Beijing. As Group of Seven foreign ministers noted in a joint statement last November, China remains a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Beijing flouts Western sanctions to buy Moscow’s petroleum, to supply parts for weapons and, through some smaller banks and money-transfer systems, provide financial services to Russians. “We see that your leadership is also seeking contacts with China,” the Ukrainian MP said. “China is the country that is backing the Russian military effort. So maybe use your contacts with China to that extent,” she said. Ukraine discloses evidence of its military operations against Russia in Africa Ms. Klympush-Tsintsadze suggested pressure from other countries could give Beijing pause. “Maybe they care about some remnants of their reputation, and try to stop that assistance,” she said of China. “So there are ways, I think, where Canada could be, with its stance, much more results…