French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a significant state visit to the People’s Republic of China on March 6, 2024. This visit spans several days and includes meetings with top Chinese officials, aimed at addressing both bilateral trade relations and pressing international issues.
During his trip, Macron plans to explore key cultural sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, but his primary focus will be discussions with Chinese state and party leaders, particularly with President Xi Jinping on March 7. The Chinese Foreign Office indicated that Xi intends to discuss the state of Sino-French relations along with other important global matters, although specific topics have not been disclosed.
The backdrop of this visit is France’s ongoing concerns regarding trade imbalances with China. The Élysée Palace has highlighted its intention to encourage China to adopt a more balanced trade policy. European officials have frequently criticized China for providing state subsidies to various sectors, including electric vehicles, steel, and solar panels, which they argue leads to unfair competition against European products.
In addition to trade discussions, Macron is expected to raise the issue of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The French leader aims to urge China to leverage its influence over Russia to facilitate a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
On March 8, Macron will visit a dam in Chengdu, located in Sichuan province, before concluding his trip and returning to France. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to China, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The visit comes after Xi’s trip to Europe in 2023, during which he included a stop in France.
According to Chinese officials, France ranks as China’s third most important trading partner within the European Union, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship. The outcomes of this visit could have considerable implications for future trade agreements and international cooperation between France and China.
