Macron and Von der Leyen are coming to China to put pressure on Xi and try to stop the war in Ukraine

French President and President of the European Commission join forces to persuade Xi Jinping to mediate with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. The two leaders will make an official visit to Beijing to meet the Chinese leader.

Emmanuel Macron arrived in the Chinese capital in a conciliatory tone, arguing that trade and diplomatic relations with the Asian giant should not be reduced. At a press conference in the French embassy, ​​the French president assured that he does not want to separate from the Chinese economy and that it is necessary to maintain a dialogue with Beijing considering its close relations with Russia.

This is Macron’s first trip to China since 2019 and he arrived accompanied by a large entourage. In addition to the four ministers, Macron is accompanied by a large business delegation, which shows the importance of the Chinese economy for France. Among the sixty fellow passengers, the director of Airbus who is negotiating a large aircraft order, the president of L’Oreal, the president of the luxury giant LVMH, the director of Danone or the head of the nuclear energy group EDF stands out. It is a whole series of French interests in trade with China.

Upon arrival this Wednesday, Macron maintained contacts with the French community in Beijing. On Thursday, the second day of the official trip, he plans to meet with Prime Minister Li Qiang, with whom he will sign economic agreements, and with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Assembly. But the important event is the bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Together with Ursula von der Leyen, Macron will hold a tripartite meeting with the Chinese president to show the unity of the European Union.

The stance of the President of the Commission has been toughened with Beijing and a week ago she warned of the need to reduce risks in relations with the Asian giant and limit its investments in Europe in key security sectors.

The two European leaders will try to persuade Xi Jinping to use his influence with Putin to end the war or at least convince him not to increase cooperation with Russia. Macron assessed that the Chinese peace plan for Ukraine, although it does not convince the West because it does not condemn the invasion, at least “shows a willingness to devote itself to finding a solution.”

From the Chinese press and at the same time as the visit, Europe was warned not to comply with US sanctions to prevent China from accessing the most advanced microchips.

This visit is the second round of European diplomacy in Beijing, after last week’s trip by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez. It comes after a meeting between Xi and Vladimir Putin in Moscow where they cemented the strength of their alliance.