As French President Emmanuel Macron prepares to welcome Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a State visit to France, he is advocating for a revamp of the economic ties between the two nations. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Macron stressed the need for a more reciprocal relationship with China in order to bolster Europe's economic security. He emphasized the importance of updating the existing framework, noting China's significant exports to Europe and excess capacity in various sectors.
The upcoming visit of Xi Jinping comes at a time of heightened tension in EU-China relations, with the European Union launching investigations into alleged unfair trade practices and concerns over cybersecurity threats originating from China. Despite these challenges, Macron is pursuing a balanced approach, combining scrutiny of economic issues with efforts to attract Chinese investment to France. Last year, Macron supported a crucial EU probe into Chinese electric vehicles, demonstrating his commitment to fair trade practices.
Following a formal dinner at the Elysee Palace, Macron plans to take Xi Jinping to the picturesque Pyrenees mountains, where he has personal connections from his childhood spent at his grandmother's house. This gesture symbolizes a personal touch to the diplomatic proceedings and aims to strengthen the bond between the two leaders. Xi had previously extended a similar gesture by inviting Macron to tea at the residence of the Guangdong governor, a symbolic location tied to Xi's family history.
Despite Macron's call for a more balanced economic relationship, he underscores the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation with China on global issues such as climate change and security. It is evident that Macron seeks to position Europe as a key player in shaping global discussions, advocating for a nuanced approach that acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities presented by China's economic rise. With Macron's push for an "aggiornamento" in economic ties, the forthcoming State visit of Xi Jinping to France is poised to be a significant moment in shaping the future of EU-China relations.