Macron Urges Closer Economic Ties with China Amidst Growing Trade Competition and Tensions over Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties with China before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France. Macron highlighted the need for Europe to maintain close relations with China for both climate and security reasons. He also noted that Europe can play a key role in balancing China’s participation in the global economic arena.

Macron called for a revival of economic cooperation with China to ensure mutual benefit and address concerns over China’s energy surplus and exports to Europe. His comments came before Xi Jinping’s two-day state visit to France, which marks his first trip to Europe in five years. During the visit, Xi is expected to hold talks with Macron and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen.

France aims to promote agricultural exports to the Chinese market and address concerns from the French cosmetics industry regarding intellectual property rights. However, reestablishing relations between France and China faces challenges due to increasing trade competition. Paris supports an EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicle exports, while Beijing has initiated investigations into French-made spirits imports. These actions are seen as retaliatory measures by both sides.

Despite efforts from Paris to influence Beijing on the situation in Ukraine, progress has been limited. Macron’s visit to Beijing last year resulted in the first phone call between Xi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Xi’s visit to France will be followed by trips to Serbia and Hungary, countries known for their friendly relations with Russia.