As China’s President Xi Jinping prepares to visit Paris for a rare trip, French President Emmanuel Macron is gearing up to address the issue of trade imbalances between the two countries. The growing trade tensions between Europe and China have put a strain on their economic relationship, with France backing a European Union investigation into Chinese electric vehicle exports and facing retaliatory measures from Beijing.
In addition to trade issues, Macron will also try to persuade Xi to use his influence on Russia in relation to the war in Ukraine. However, this task will not be easy given the complex dynamics at play. Despite Xi’s status as one of Russia’s main partners, China has been reluctant to exert pressure on Moscow. Macron’s objective is to leverage China’s relationship with Russia to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
The visit comes at a time when divisions within the European Union pose a challenge to its ability to influence China. The absence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the meetings in Paris underscores the lack of unity among EU members. This lack of cohesion weakens the leverage that European leaders have when engaging with China on various issues.
Despite these obstacles, France hopes to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and address concerns in the French cosmetic industry regarding intellectual property rights. Macron’s personal gestures, such as taking Xi to the Pyrenees, are aimed at building a rapport with the Chinese leader. However, it remains to be seen whether these gestures will lead to concrete compromises from Beijing.
After his visit to France, Xi will continue his trip by heading to Russia-friendly Serbia and Hungary. This highlights China’s strategic interests in the region and its efforts to strengthen partnerships beyond its traditional allies. As China expands its global influence, it will be crucial for European countries like France to engage with Beijing on a range of economic and geopolitical issues.
Macron’s meeting with Xi presents an opportunity for France to address trade imbalances and push for greater influence on China’s policies towards Russia. While the challenges are significant, there are also potential areas for progress and cooperation between the two countries. The outcome of Xi’s visit to France will provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of EU-China relations and the prospects for deeper engagement in the future.
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