War in Ukraine, trade relations… The multiple diplomatic issues of Xi Jinping’s visit

The Chinese president is visiting France from this Sunday until Tuesday. Xi Jinping’s last official visit to France dates back to 2019. He will be received this evening by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal before a first meeting with Emmanuel Macron on Monday morning at the Élysée. A visit with multiple issues, with the war in Ukraine which should occupy part of the discussions.

“I can’t see the Chinese president suddenly changing his attitude”

This will probably be the main topic of conversation between Emmanuel Macron and his Chinese counterpart on the diplomatic side. France and more generally the West would like Beijing to stop supporting Russia, at least economically. But there is little chance of this succeeding, according to sinologist Alain Wang.

“I find it difficult to see the Chinese president suddenly changing his attitude. China is still at the heart of several international organizations which bring together, beyond Russia, North Korea and Iran. So, it is entirely in an opposition of values ​​and thoughts in relation to Western values ​​and European values”, he analyzes.

Trade relations

Also on the agenda for discussions: commercial relations between the two countries. Agreements for the opening of new Chinese electric battery factories should in particular be on the table. Finally, for the Chinese president it is also about strengthening his European alliances at a time when Sino-American relations are at their lowest.

“On the Chinese side, there is a central strategy, that of preventing Europe from joining forces with the United States against it. So the idea posed by Emmanuel Macron of a third way is of great interest to China , obviously, because it cuts the Western clan in two,” adds Alain Wang. After Paris, Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping will travel to the Hautes-Pyrénées on Tuesday.