Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen in China to ‘reset’ relations – BBC News - BBC News
French President and European Commission Head Visit China
The French President Emmanuel Macron and the head of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen are on a three-day trip to China in hopes of resetting relations. They are traveling with a 50-strong business delegation, and on the agenda for the trip are talks around Ukraine as Beijing's refusal to condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine has soured relations with Europe.
Macron's Speech
- In his speech, Mr. Macron warned that Europe must not separate from China economically.
- He emphasized that while the EU must establish trade defense instruments necessary for credibility, it must also be voluntarily committed to continuing to have a trade relationship with China.
- He cautioned against risking economies never being fully dependent on each other.
Business Deals
- A significant visit because close links could mean that President Macron could be influential in helping Xi Jinping and the war in Ukraine.
- Talks will include conversations about the war in Ukraine but also trade, which is dominating the agenda.
- Huge natural gas deal announced before Mr. Macron traveled to China; expecting big deals from EDF (French energy giant) and Airbus airplane deal.
Xi Jinping's Goals
- Xi Jinping needs to revive China's economy, which is still struggling after years of difficult COVID restrictions.
- He would like to build a wedge between the EU and the United States as their relations are at a low point at present.
Overview of the Meeting
The meeting will focus on finding an accelerated negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, trade deals, climate change, renewable energy, global food supply and health of supply chains.
Climate Change and Renewable Energy
- Both France and Beijing want to work towards the new COP 27 goals.
- Both countries are interested in renewable energy with a focus on wind power and solar power.
Global Food Supply and Supply Chains
- Both countries have expressed concern over threats to the global food supply and the health of supply chains in general.
- Until we can get supply chains moving again post-COVID, it's going to affect everybody's economy.