Press
Wars, climate, trade: China’s Xi’s state visit to France is about the major global challenges. Europe hopes for joint action.
Paris – At the beginning of China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping’s trip to Europe, France and the European Union are relying on joint efforts with China to solve key global problems.
“China is important for the EU to address the major global challenges,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the start of a three-way meeting with Xi and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Elysée Palace in Paris. She cited the common fight against the climate crisis as an example. “In addition, both China and the EU have a common interest in peace and security and in the effective functioning of the rules-based international order.” This is particularly true in very turbulent environments.
Xi also said the world is experiencing turbulent changes. China and Europe should therefore deepen their partnership and strengthen mutual trust. The Chinese further urged that China and the EU should promote stable and healthy development of their relations to contribute to world peace and development.
Von der Leyen assured that the EU and China wanted good relations. “And given China’s global weight, our engagement is critical to guarantee mutual respect, avoid misunderstandings, and find solutions to global challenges.”
Macron calls for equal regulations for everyone
Macron also emphasized: “The international situation makes the European-Chinese dialogue more necessary than ever.” “We are at a turning point in our history that requires us to face the structural challenges.” This is about economic relations and ensuring the same rules for everyone, because a decoupling logic would be harmful. “The future of our continent will depend on our ability to continue to develop balanced relations with China, which is our will.”
The talks should initially focus on relations between Europe and China at the trade level, with fair competition and access to markets and investments, said Macron. “Then it’s about Ukraine, the Middle East, two major crises in which coordination between us is absolutely crucial.” dpa
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