China’s President Xi Jinping is embarking on a rare visit to Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address the pressing issue of trade imbalances between the two nations. The visit comes at a time of growing trade tensions between Europe and China, with France supporting a European Union investigation into Chinese electric vehicle exports. Additionally, Beijing’s recent investigation into imports of French brandy has been seen as a retaliatory move, further complicating the trade relationship. The Elysee advisor emphasized the importance of pushing Chinese authorities to provide more guarantees on trade issues. However, given the backdrop of escalating trade disputes, it remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be during Xi’s two-day visit.
Macron is also expected to urge Xi to use his influence on Russia to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite France’s efforts to nudge China into pressuring Moscow, progress has been limited. While Xi’s decision to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after Macron’s visit to Beijing last year was a positive step, significant challenges remain. The Elysee adviser highlighted the need for China to leverage its relationship with Russia to help resolve the conflict. However, with divisions within the EU and varying messages from European leaders, the effectiveness of these efforts may be limited.
France is also looking to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and addressing concerns surrounding intellectual property rights in the cosmetic industry. These issues have long been a point of contention in EU-China relations, and resolving them could pave the way for greater economic cooperation. Macron will have the opportunity to discuss these matters with Xi during their official meetings, with the goal of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting fair trade practices.
Macron’s decision to take Xi to the Pyrenees, a location of sentimental significance to the Chinese President, reflects his diplomatic approach of building personal rapport with foreign leaders. Similarly, Xi had previously hosted Macron in Guangzhou, his father’s former residence, for a tea ceremony. While these gestures are intended to strengthen bilateral relations, it is important to remain realistic about their impact. Noah Barkin cautioned against expecting sentimental gestures to lead to substantial compromises from Beijing. As Xi’s visit concludes and he heads to Serbia and Hungary, the outcomes of his discussions with Macron will be closely watched for any signs of progress on key issues.
President Xi Jinping’s visit to Paris presents a complex mix of economic, political, and diplomatic challenges for both China and France. Addressing trade imbalances, influencing China’s role in global conflicts, and advancing bilateral cooperation will require careful diplomacy and strategic engagement. As Macron seeks to engage with Xi on these critical issues, the outcomes of their discussions will have far-reaching implications for EU-China relations and broader international dynamics.
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