Xi Jinping's EU Tour: Macron's Push for Diplomacy Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Xi Jinping will embark on his first visit to the European Union in five years, commencing on May 5 with stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary, as announced by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Bloomberg.
Despite ongoing EU scrutiny of Beijing's industrial policy and Washington's warnings regarding associated risks, nations are actively seeking investments from China.
While China officially declares neutrality in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, concerns persist in Washington regarding Beijing's support for Moscow's industrial and defence expansion efforts. During Xi's two-day stay in France, President Emmanuel Macron aims to persuade his Chinese counterpart to exert influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Macron also seeks to attract Chinese investment in France's electric vehicle battery industry.
President Macron will host Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace in Paris, including a formal dinner. Following their meeting, Macron plans to invite Xi to the Pyrenees Mountains. Additionally, a trilateral meeting is scheduled between President Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Xi Jinping during the visit, as confirmed by Eric Mamer, von der Leyen's spokesperson, on April 29.
In his address at Sorbonne University on April 25, President Macron urged EU member states to fortify their defence capabilities and reconsider their global roles in light of the present risks facing Europe. Macron previously characterised Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March as "existential" for both France and Europe.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
