French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held a trilateral meeting on the 6th (local time) to discuss trade and the war in Ukraine.
According to Yonhap News, Macron welcomed the two leaders at the Élysée Palace in the morning. He shared, “The international situation now more than ever necessitates dialogue between Europe and China.” He added, “The future of our continent depends on our ability to develop a balanced relationship with China continuously. We are at a historical turning point.”
Regarding the agenda of the meeting, he suggested, “We will first deal with the relationship between Europe and China as agreed,” and “We will be able to discuss commercial issues such as market access, fair competition conditions, investment, and harmonious development.”
He also emphasized, “Europe and China are responsible for ensuring fair rules for everyone in trade.”
Commission President von der Leyen pointed out, “Europe and China have a significant economic relationship, but it is threatened by state-driven overproduction and unequal market access.”
Trade frictions between China and the EU have escalated over issues like electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. Earlier this year, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy from the EU, signaling growing trade tensions.
The trilateral meeting also discussed political issues, such as the situation in Ukraine.
President Macron said, “We will also discuss Ukraine and the Middle East, two major crises where cooperation between Europe and China is crucial.”
During the Olympics opening in Paris in July, President Macron hopes for a ceasefire influenced by Russia and China, which have friendly relations.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also emphasized, “We are determined to end Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and achieve sustainable peace. Europe and China must work together to find responsible ways to address global issues.”
President Xi visited France for the first time in five years. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi said, “China has always viewed the China-Europe relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective. Europe is a vital direction in China’s major-country diplomacy and an important partner in achieving Chinese-style modernization.”
Xi continued, “The world is entering a new era of upheaval and transformation. As the important forces of this world, China and Europe should stand for a partnership, dialogue, and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, consolidate strategic consensus, expand strategic cooperation, promote the stable and healthy development of China-Europe relations, and make continuous new contributions to world peace and development.”
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