Macron seeks a “bigger role” for China

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At the start of his talks with the Chinese leadership, a meeting with the new Premier Li Qiang was scheduled for Thursday. Macron later wanted to hold bilateral talks with head of state and party leader Xi Jinping and a round of three with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. The focus is on the conflict in Ukraine and the difficult relations between China and the European Union.

In discussing the Ukraine conflict, he wanted to try to “engage China in terms of a shared responsibility for peace and stability,” Macron said in a speech at the US embassy the night before. He referred to the close ties between China and Russia. China has reaffirmed its adherence to the UN Charter, which covers the territorial integrity and sovereignty of individual countries. “Defending them means moving forward together and trying to find a way to peace.”

Macron also referred to China’s position on the conflict in Ukraine presented in February: “Do we fully agree? No, but it is interesting,” Macron said. “It shows his willingness to get involved in resolving the conflict.” The 12-point document calls for a ceasefire and resumption of negotiations. However, it became international critically received for showing no initiative to resolve the conflict, not condemning the invasion, and also reflecting Russian arguments with criticism of the West.

China has been providing political support to President Vladimir Putin since invading Ukraine over a year ago. The alliance reflects the geostrategic rivalry with the United States. The US and NATO are portrayed as the main culprits in the conflict. While Xi Jinping met Putin in Moscow two weeks ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not even spoken on the phone since the start of the war.

Relations between Europe and China have also reached an all-time low. In addition, there are disagreements over trade imbalances, human rights violations in China, territorial claims in the East and South China Seas, China’s threats against democratic Taiwan and its more aggressive behavior. Against the background of bad experiences with dependence on Russia, concerns are growing about the dangers of economic cooperation with the second largest economy.

Macron spoke out against decoupling from China. Of course there is rivalry with the European Union, but both sides need to work together on important international issues. European Commission President von der Leyen said something similar: “I believe it is neither feasible nor in Europe’s interest to disengage from China. Our relations are not black or white, and our response neither, so we need to focus on risk mitigation rather than decoupling.”

Despite all the concerns, the expansion of economic cooperation between France and China is a major topic of Macron’s visit. He is accompanied by a 60-strong French business delegation – including representatives from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s second largest electricity producer Électricité de France EDF, train builder Alstom and waste management and water supplier Veolia.

(SDA)

Source: Blick