Month of diplomatic challenges for China’s Xi on EU and Russia fronts
- Talks on trade imbalances and Ukraine war await Chinese president as he first heads to France in pursuit of ‘pragmatic’ European policy, then Serbia and Hungary, before returning to host Vladimir Putin
President Xi Jinping flies to France on Sunday for a summit with President Emmanuel Macron that marks six decades of bilateral ties. His first visit to Europe since the pandemic, including stops in Serbia and Hungary, comes at a difficult juncture in relations between China and the European Union, under the strain of trade imbalances and lack of access to China’s market.
The European Commission has angered Beijing with investigations into alleged state-supported industrial overcapacity in electric vehicles and other green products, such as wind turbines and solar panels. The Ukraine war has also created divisions with Chinese neutrality and European support for Kyiv.
As summit host, Macron has ensured that Europe will also be at the table. His invitation to the commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, one of the most hawkish European leaders towards China, to join the summit with Xi is a reminder that France is at the core of China-EU relations.
Beijing has clearly signalled its response to EU moves, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi appealing to France to sway Europe towards a “positive” and “pragmatic” China policy. It has also urged European countries to exert their autonomy, which is not inconsistent with Macron’s argument for a stronger, more independent EU not necessarily aligned with the United States.
Six decades of China-France bilateral relations have proved more stable than 45 years of China-US relations, reflecting a more pragmatic approach from leaders on both sides. In that regard the relationship has benefited from independent thinking in Paris.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye said with France at the core of the EU, stable France-China relations would drive China-EU ties. Owing to the importance of the EU to global stability, China looks at relations from a very long-term perspective.
Despite the tensions, this is reflected in the recent recovery of tourism and cultural exchanges.
While so-called Chinese overcapacity may be a main talking point, the Ukraine war will also never be far from the mind during Xi’s visit. As it drags on the more it troubles Europe, given its history of conflict.
European eagerness for some kind of resolution and for some Russian restraint is heightened by the perception that Ukraine faces a deteriorating military situation. As a result, Xi can expect pressure, particularly from Macron, to do more to exert influence on Russia to reach a settlement in Ukraine.
EU cranks up the pressure as China’s Xi Jinping prepares for 3-nation visit
But Xi will be mindful that soon after his return he will host Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
That Putin’s first foreign trip of his new term of office is to his country’s giant neighbour and ally will be symbolic of Russia’s core significance to China’s security. It will add to an interesting month for diplomacy that will call for a balancing act from China.
