Xi Jinping in Paris. “In China’s foreign policy, the EU is treated as a priority”

On Monday (May 6) in the morning, talks between the President of France and the President of China took place in Paris. The meeting was also attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders’ conversation focused largely on trade relations. The EU considers it unfair that China subsidizes the production of electric cars for sale in Europe and is therefore considering introducing tariffs. describes that China wants to impose similar restrictions on French brandy as retaliation. It is the most frequently imported type of alcohol in China.

“The future of our continent depends on relations with China”

– We discussed how to make real progress on market access. I am sure this progress can be greater. At the same time, we are ready to use our defense instruments if necessary, said the President of the European Commission after the meeting. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the Community will not hesitate to take tough decisions to protect its economy.

The future of our continent will also very clearly depend on our ability to further, sustainably develop our relations with China

– said Emmanuel Macron.

Moreover, after the conversation, von der Leyen repeated that the war in Ukraine caused by Russia must end as soon as possible. – We hope that China will influence Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine. “President Xi has played an important role in curbing Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats, and I hope he will continue to do so,” she said decisively.

The Chinese do not want a trade war with Europe. “We treat the EU as a priority”

Xi Jinping, who would like to avoid a trade war with Europe, spoke less strongly in the part of the conversation open to the media. He said that China and the European Union should continue to see each other as partners.

– We must remain committed to dialogue and cooperation, we must strengthen mutual trust. We should build strategic understanding and cooperation. Work to continuously strengthen China-EU ties and contribute to world peace and development, he said. At the same time, he emphasized that “in China’s foreign policy, the EU is treated as a priority” and he looks at relations with it from a “strategic and long-term perspective.”

Both sides are very dependent on each other. According to Eurostat data, in 2023, China was the third largest partner in the export of goods from the European Union (8.8%) and the largest partner in the import of goods from the EU (20.5%).