Emmanuel Macron, who is on a state visit to China, is expected to discuss Ukraine peace with President Xi Jinping, along with access to the Chinese market.
The upcoming talks between the two leaders are viewed with immense interest in the EU, as the French president is expected to deliver a message from the European Union, besides discussing trade. Before the meetings, Macron posted on X that “My discussion with the Chinese President would focus on peace and economic rebalancing, which the world so desperately needs.”
The president is under pressure to convince China to put pressure on Russia so that a ceasefire could be achieved in Ukraine. This is Macron’s fourth overall state visit to China since taking office, and he is expected to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang before travelling to Chengdu on Friday for another meeting with Xi.
The visit came days after the Ukrainian leader and French President discussed Ukraine’s future strategy and also conditions for a potential ceasefire as the war approaches its fourth year. China maintains a neutral stance when it comes to taking sides in the Ukraine War, a position it has maintained during recent Arab wars and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
According to various estimates, the European Union recorded a trade deficit of $348 billion with China last year. For France, China alone represents 46 per cent of its total trade deficit.
Earlier, Macron had urged the EU to reduce its reliance on Beijing and to give preference to the EU tech industry. Both sides are expected to sign different agreements, including in the energy, food industry and aviation sectors.
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