Emmanuel Macron’s strategic visit to China
French president, Mr. Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed to Beijing on Thursday by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as part of an official visit by the French leader to China. Even before the meeting, Macron drew attention to the fact that, in his view, Western states should not give up good relations with Beijing, especially given China’s recent rapprochement with Russia. According to the French leader, a good relationship between the West and China is very important, especially in the context of the war started by Russia against Ukraine, reports Reuters. Asked about Western concerns that Beijing might consider sending arms to Moscow, Macron said any nation that did so would be complicit in a violation of international law. This is Macron’s first visit to China in 2019, and before it, the French president discussed with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, the involvement of Chinese President Xi Jinping in hastening the end of the war in Ukraine. However, Washington is skeptical of Beijing’s peace plan.
Also, Ursula von der Leyen is going to China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also joined Macron in Beijing, his first visit since taking over as Commission President more than three years ago. Both Macron and von der Leyen have said they want to persuade China to use its influence over Russia to bring peace to Ukraine, or at least dissuade Beijing from directly supporting its ally in the conflict. Earlier this year, China proposed a 12-point peace plan for the Ukraine crisis. Beijing has called on both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a total ceasefire. What Xi, von der Leyen, and Macron discussed Macron on Thursday urged Xi Jinping to talk to Russian authorities and help end the war in Ukraine. “Russian aggression in Ukraine has dealt a blow to (international) stability,” Macron told Xi at the meeting in Beijing. “I know I can count on you to bring Russia back to rational thinking and everyone back to the negotiating table,” he said Thursday. According to state media, Xi said France and China have the ability and responsibility to overcome their “differences” as the world undergoes deep historical changes. “Both Europe and China have benefited enormously from their relationship. However, EU-China relations have become more complex in recent years and it is important to discuss together all aspects of our relations today,” von der Leyen said before meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
By Paul Bumman
