Will French President’s Call for Economic Reset with China Impact Xi’s Visit To France?

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a reset of economic ties with China ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Macron emphasized the need for more reciprocity in economic relations with China, highlighting concerns about excess capacity and imbalanced trade.

Seeking Reciprocity in Economic Ties

Macron’s call for an “aggiornamento” or update in economic relations comes amidst Europe’s desire for a more balanced and secure economic partnership with China. He stressed the importance of addressing China’s excessive exports to Europe and ensuring fair competition in trade.

Balancing Economic Engagement

While advocating for a reset, Macron clarified that Europe does not intend to distance itself from China but rather seeks a balanced approach that benefits both parties. He underscored the significance of China’s role in areas such as climate action and safety, emphasizing the need for cooperation on global challenges.

Xi Jinping’s European Tour

Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to France is part of his five-day tour across Europe, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between China and France. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address concerns in economic cooperation amid changing global dynamics.

Challenges in EU-China Relations

The deteriorating ties between the European Union and China have been attributed to trade imbalances, market access issues, and concerns over unfair trade practices. Recent EU investigations into preferential treatment for Chinese companies in procurement and scrutiny of Chinese-made electric vehicles highlight growing tensions in economic relations.

Hope Amid Challenges

While challenges exist, both China and Europe are seeking to maintain economic engagement despite ongoing investigations and trade restrictions. Beijing hopes to avoid economic decoupling and sustain partnerships amid global trade dynamics and geopolitical tensions.

Xi Jinping’s visit to France and subsequent trips to Hungary and Serbia reflect ongoing efforts to navigate these challenges and foster constructive dialogue on economic cooperation and global challenges.