Can China help Europe achieve 'greater strategic autonomy'? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Multilateralism: An approach to international relations that emphasizes cooperation among multiple countries.
• Trade Imbalance: A situation where a country imports significantly more goods and services than it exports, or vice versa.
• Anti-dumping Measures: Tariffs imposed on imported goods sold at less than their fair market value.
• Anti-subsidy Measures: Tariffs imposed on imported goods that have benefited from foreign government subsidies.
• Geopolitical Imbalances: Disparities in power and influence between nations that can create instability.
• Comprehensive China France Strategic Partnership: A framework for bilateral relations between China and France.
• Limitless Friendship: A term used to describe the strong and broad relationship between China and Russia.

Macron's Visit to Beijing and Key Objectives

French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to Beijing aimed to achieve several key objectives:

• Attracting Chinese Investment: Macron sought to encourage more investment from Chinese companies into France.
• Increasing Market Access for European Firms: A primary goal was to secure greater market access for European businesses within China.
• Addressing Trade Imbalances: Both France and the European Union (EU) aim to rectify the significant trade imbalance with China, characterized by a flood of Chinese goods into the EU market.
• Convincing China on Ukraine: A major talking point was the war in Ukraine, with Macron intending to leverage China's influence with Russia to push for a ceasefire.

Xi Jinping's Statements and China's Stance

Chinese President Xi Jinping articulated China's perspective on the current global landscape and its relationship with France:

• Global Changes and Crossroads: Xi described the world as undergoing "profound and fast changes in a century" and humanity standing "at a crossroads."
• Responsibility and Multilateralism: He urged China and France to "demonstrate their sense of responsibility" and "uphold the banner of multilateralism."
• Overcoming Differences and Dialogue: Xi emphasized the need to "overcome differences" and engage in "dialogue on an equal and open footing" to ensure the "comprehensive China France strategic partnership moves forward steadily and effectively."
• China's Desire for Reciprocal Trade: China desires a strong trade relationship with Europe based on "reciprocity" and "strong ties," free from "investigations" and "anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures." They aim to trade "as equals" with trust.
• Peace in Ukraine: Xi expressed a desire for "peace in Ukraine," but China has not explicitly condemned Russia's invasion.

Macron's Perspective on Bilateral Relations and Global Cooperation

President Macron highlighted the importance of close ties and international cooperation:

• Addressing Imbalances: Macron acknowledged that "current imbalances such as geopolitical ones could ultimately put our countries at risk of going their separate ways."
• Importance of International Cooperation: He stressed the shared conviction in "international cooperation, the UN framework and effective multilateralism."
• Essential Nature of Visits: Macron views such visits as "essential for putting all issues back on the table and building paths of convergence and cooperation through our collective will."

DW Correspondent Rick Gloward's Analysis

Rick Gloward, DW's East Asia correspondent, provided insights into the nuances of the visit:

• Macron's Unique Position: Gloward noted that Macron is in a "strongish position" due to his "goodish relationship with Xi Jinping" and that this is his fourth visit. He is one of the few European leaders who can bring "difficult issues to the table."
• China's View of Macron: China sees Macron as a pragmatic leader in Europe who has previously stated that "Europe doesn't have to choose between China and the US." Xi likely believes Macron is less inclined to "tow the US line."
• China's Desired EU Relationship: China seeks a strong trade relationship with Europe based on reciprocity and equality, free from protectionist measures. They also wish to collaborate on geopolitical issues as equals.
• China's Stance on Ukraine: Gloward pointed out that while China calls for peace, it has "never really called out Russia for its invasion." He suggested concrete actions China could take, such as reducing fuel purchases from Russia or preventing Chinese parts from being used in the Russian war machine, though Beijing denies the latter.
• Strengthening China-Russia Ties: The "limitless friendship" between China and Russia has strengthened, evidenced by the Chinese foreign minister's recent visit to Moscow to discuss broad consensus on international issues.

Key Differences and Trade Issues

The transcript highlights significant differences between China and France/EU, particularly concerning trade:

• Trade Imbalance: France and the EU want to address the imbalance where Chinese goods heavily flood the EU market.
• Chinese Objections: China views anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures by the EU as unfair.

Ukraine War and China's Role

The war in Ukraine was a central topic, with differing perspectives on China's influence:

• European Expectation: Europe believes China can use its influence with Russia to push for a ceasefire.
• China's Ambiguous Position: China has not condemned Russia's invasion and its implicit support is seen by many as enabling the continuation of the war.
• Potential Chinese Actions: Beyond diplomatic talks, China could reduce its fuel purchases from Russia or prevent its exports from being used in the Russian military.

Conclusion and Takeaways

President Macron's visit to Beijing underscored the complex and multifaceted relationship between France and China, as well as China's broader engagement with the European Union. Key takeaways include:

• Balancing Economic and Geopolitical Interests: France seeks to enhance economic ties and market access while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine war, a stance that tests China's strategic alignment with Russia.
• China's Pragmatic Diplomacy: China views Macron as a key interlocutor in Europe, one who is less aligned with US foreign policy and more open to pragmatic engagement.
• Trade Tensions Persist: The fundamental issue of trade imbalances and protectionist measures remains a significant point of contention between China and the EU.
• China's Strategic Ambiguity on Ukraine: While expressing a desire for peace, China's continued close relationship with Russia and its refusal to condemn the invasion present a challenge to international efforts for de-escalation.
• The Importance of Dialogue: Despite differences, both leaders emphasized the necessity of dialogue and cooperation to navigate global challenges and maintain stability.