BEIJING (AP) — China and the European Union have issued a joint call to action on climate change during an otherwise tense bilateral summit in Beijing on Thursday riven with major disagreements over trade and the war in Ukraine.

EU leaders on Thursday threatened China with new action to counter what they consider unfair trade practices, as they met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a high-level summit aimed at recalibrating strained ties.

Since the invasion, China has supported Russia’s economy through trade, provided diplomatic cover in international forums, and participated in joint military exercises. At the same time, it continues to claim neutrality, masking its support for Russia behind the guise of plausible deniability.

China must use its influence on Russia to ensure it abides by the United Nations (UN) Charter and halts its full-scale war against Ukraine, European Council President António Costa says, as la Repubblica reports.

Beijing is betting that economic pressure and diplomatic defiance will force concessions, but its stance could put more strain on its ties with Europe at a crucial time.

The European Union and China are preparing to agree a joint declaration on tackling climate change at a summit in Beijing on Thursday, EU diplomats told Reuters. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Beijing on Thursday and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping,

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice weighed in earlier this week on President Trump’s ultimatum on Russia, suggesting it is a “turning point” in peace efforts in the over three-year-long war in Ukraine.

Ukraine, Russia hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul * Ukrainian drones reportedly target key logistics hub in southwestern Russia * Russia suffered 80,000 casualties during Kursk incursion, Ukraine's military chief says * 'He sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence' — Putin not worried about 50-day ceasefire deadline,

China and the EU have issued a joint call to action on climate change during a tense bilateral summit in Beijing riven with major disagreements over trade and the war in Ukraine.