Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to France on Monday and Tuesday was marked by discussions on the conflict in Ukraine and trade tensions between China and the European Union. Host Emmanuel Macron aimed to persuade Xi to use his influence with Moscow to help resolve the crisis. Furthermore, European leaders pressed China to play fairly in trade to prevent further deindustrialization of Europe.
During the meeting, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of fair play in trade between China and the EU. She warned that Europe would take tough decisions if necessary to protect its economy and security. Xi sought to strengthen relations with European leaders advocating for strategic autonomy, which he interpreted as a balanced position between China and the United States.
In addition to France, Xi also visited Serbia and Hungary as part of his European tour. He emphasized the importance of mutual trust and stable growth between China and the EU. However, von der Leyen raised concerns about China flooding the European market with subsidized products, urging Beijing to address overcapacity issues.
The state visit included a state dinner at the Elysée and a trip to the Pyrenees, providing an opportunity for candid discussions. During these talks, Xi hoped to convince EU leaders led by France to reconsider policies that could limit Chinese exports in green sectors where China leads globally. He proposed deepening cooperation in innovation and ecological development as a way forward.
The issue of Russian aggression towards Ukraine was another critical topic during this visit. Xi expressed China’s willingness to work with France and the international community to find a reasonable solution to this crisis. Von der Leyen called on Beijing’s influence over Russia to end this aggression once and for all.
This visit marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and China, highlighting Macron’s efforts to strengthen their relationship while addressing pressing issues facing both countries today.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping’s state visit
