China cancelled EU leader's address at opening of major trade expo

People visit the Unity stand during the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Monday. China cancelled the EU leader's video address at the opening because the speech criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's refusal to condemn it. (Photo by AFP)

BEIJING/BRUSSELS: Chinese authorities behind a major trade expo in Shanghai pulled an opening ceremony address by the European Council president that was set to criticise Russia's "illegal war" in Ukraine and call for reduced trade dependency on China, diplomats said.

The pre-recorded video by Charles Michel was meant to be one of several from world leaders and heads of international organisations including Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Friday, three European diplomats told Reuters.