French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a three-day state visit to China, where he plans to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss key international issues, including the war in Ukraine. The visit highlights France's ongoing interest in deepening strategic ties with Beijing and began with a tour of the Forbidden City's gardens, followed by bilateral meetings and a scheduled press briefing.
Experts underline that Macron's fourth visit to China marks a significant moment in Franco-Chinese relations and reflects France's ambition to shape the European agenda regarding Beijing, seeking a balance among the strategic interests of Europe, China, and the United States. Topics to be addressed include trade cooperation, security, and the war in Ukraine, which, while not the primary point of discussion, remains highly relevant.
Observers note that with increasing economic competition between the EU, US, and China, Beijing aims to strengthen its links with the European market, securing new trade channels. France, with its long-standing economic ties and manufacturing presence in China, maintains an influential political role within the EU.
Political discourse across Europe also touches on China's potential role in the region's security architecture. Discussions have emerged over which actors—NATO, the US, or China—could provide reliable security guarantees. The war in Ukraine and developments in Poland are prompting European leaders to reassess ties with Beijing.
Macron's trip may serve as a platform for negotiating the future of security in Europe, trade relations with China, and broader international cooperation. While the EU is not ready to fully embrace a Chinese agenda, interest in a strategic dialogue with Beijing is growing, especially as relations with the US become more complex.
