Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make a visit to France in early May
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris in early May, marking his first visit to Europe since the onset of the pandemic, as reported by several officials based in Paris and Brussels to POLITICO.
Xi’s forthcoming visit aligns with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Paris and Beijing, occurring against the backdrop of China’s efforts to mend strained ties with Europe due to Xi’s close alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the conflict in Ukraine.
However, insiders suggest that the atmosphere in France may differ from the celebratory mood that characterized the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations. According to a source familiar with the preparations for the visit, expectations are for a more serious tone, given the current economic and geopolitical challenges.
“We expect a more scholarly approach and less festivity,” the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked. “There’s an insistence on reciprocity in relations with China, particularly concerning the critical area of ecological transition,” he added, alluding to the debate surrounding Europe’s efforts to mitigate risks in its dealings with China.
The visit, meticulously planned over several months, will draw significant attention from Washington and European capitals alike. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also slated to embark on a trip to China in April.
Recent discussions among officials have indicated that China is advocating for Russia’s inclusion in future peace negotiations, warning that it may boycott such talks if its demands are not met. This message was reinforced during Chinese special envoy Li Hui’s recent tour of Europe to discuss the Ukrainian crisis, during which Li pledged support for inclusive peace conferences.
In recent months, Beijing has endeavored to counter Europe’s moves toward risk mitigation, which it perceives as being influenced by the United States. China strongly objected to the EU’s decision to sanction Chinese firms with ties to Russia and is facing potential trade tensions with European regulators over its electric vehicle industry.
Despite these challenges, Beijing remains keen on retaining European investments in the Chinese market, particularly amidst economic pressures and instability in its real estate sector.
The forthcoming meeting between Xi and Macron in Paris follows Macron’s visit to Beijing and Guangzhou last year, during which he reiterated his call for European strategic autonomy. Macron emphasized the importance of Europe reducing its dependence on the United States and avoiding entanglement in disputes between China and the U.S. regarding Taiwan.
Macron is also anticipated to visit China again this year, in line with his commitment to annual visits since 2018. However, the Elysée Palace has yet to confirm this trip.
