In the midst of economic and trade tensions between China and the EU, Macron and Xi Jiping demonstrated their willingness to promote cooperation between the countries, given the challenging international context.
This Monday, France committed to maintaining a balanced relationship between China and the European Union (EU) at a meeting of the presidents of both countries in Paris, attended by the president of the European Commission.
“Our desire is to have a balanced relationship with China,” said the French head of state, Emmanuel Macron, before the start of the meeting with Xi Jiping and Ursula von der Leyen at the Elysee Palace.
Macron demanded “fair rules for all” in trade between Europe and China, according to the Spanish agency EFE.
“The future of our continent will clearly depend on our ability to continue developing relations with China in a balanced way,” said Macron, also quoted by the French agency AFP.
In brief statements to the press before the closed-door meeting with Xi and Von der Leyen, The French leader alluded to the economic and trade tensions between China and the EU.
In recent months, the EU has announced measures to protect against practices it considers unfair by Beijing, in particular subsidies to certain sectors whose products flood the European market.
Macron said there are other concerns that will be discussed with the Chinese president and spoke of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
These are two major crises in which coordination between us is absolutely crucial.
Xi called on China and the EU to strengthen “strategic coordination” and remain partners, in a context of numerous disputes ranging from trade to human rights.
As two major world powers, China and the EU should remain partners, pursue dialogue and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, consolidate strategic consensus and commit to strategic coordination.
According to the Chinese leader, “the goal is to promote the stable and healthy development of China-EU relations, and constantly make new contributions to peace and development in the world.”
The EU officially views China as a partner, but also as a competitor and systemic rival.
Relations between Beijing and Brussels have become significantly strained, especially since the EU began an investigation into the Asian giant’s subsidies for electric cars in 2023.
China was also criticized by the West, particularly Europeans, regarding the Ukraine issue.
While calling for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, China has never publicly condemned Russia.
Beijing has also strengthened diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.
Despite the differences, Beijing considers Brussels a more stable and predictable partner than the United States, which in recent years has intensified trade restrictions and hostile political statements toward China.
“We hope that Sino-French and Sino-European relations will strengthen each other and develop together.“Xi said to Macron and Von der Leyen.
Xi Jiping began today in France his first visit to Europe since the Covid-19 pandemic, which also includes Hungary and Serbia, two countries considered close to China and Russia.
Source: Observadora
