Trade, Ukraine, the main topics at the Xi-Macron meeting in Paris

2024-05-06 16:28:11, Kosova & Bota CNA

French President Emmanuel Macron today hosted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Paris, who is on a two-day state visit to France. Trade disputes and diplomatic efforts to persuade Beijing to exert its influence on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine are expected to be in the spotlight. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was also present at today's meeting in Paris.

Both European officials at the tripartite meeting spoke of warm relations between the EU and China, although tensions have risen as several Chinese sectors are being investigated by the European Union, including electric cars.

President Macron, a strong defender of Europe's economic sovereignty, said before the meeting that trade disputes would first be discussed, to have "a fair trade" and then the war in Ukraine and the Middle East would be discussed.

"First we will address European-Chinese relations, to discuss trade issues such as access to markets and the conditions of fair competition, investment and development," said the French President.

"China always views relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective. We consider Europe an important partner in realizing Chinese modernization. I hope China-France relations and China-EU relations will promote each other and develop together," President Xi said.

France also hopes to persuade China to use its influence over Moscow to contribute to the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China this month.

"We will discuss Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, two major crises where coordination between us is absolutely crucial," President Macron said.

Mr Macron, according to a French Presidency official, will press Mr Xi for supplies from Chinese companies to the Russian defense industry despite EU sanctions. China says it is neutral in the Ukraine conflict. France also wants China to keep dialogue open with Kiev, added the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Last year, President Macron called on President Xi to "help Russia sober up", but the call was not followed by any concrete action from Beijing.

Several organisations, including the 'International Campaign for Tibet' and the 'League of Human Rights of France' called on President Macron to put human rights issues at the center of his talks with his Chinese counterpart. Protesters demonstrated in Paris as President Xi arrived in Paris on Sunday, calling for a free Tibet.

Amnesty International called on President Macron to demand the release of economics professor Ilham Tohti, a member of the Uyghur minority, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in China in 2014 on charges of promoting separatism and the release of other activists. prisoner. During an interview published on Sunday, President Macron said he will raise his concern about human rights.

The Chinese President's state visit to Paris marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and follows French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to China in 2023.

Paris is the first stop on President Xi's five-day European trip, during which he will also stay in Belgrade and then Budapest.

The discussions will be followed closely by Washington, a month before President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Paris for a visit./ VOA