Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to France did not result in significant concessions on key issues, disappointing French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite Macron’s efforts to address trade imbalances and China’s partnership with Russia, Xi only offered limited concessions and denied any problems. Xi also misrepresented China’s involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine, further straining diplomatic relations.
During the visit, Xi reiterated China’s stance on not delivering weapons to Russia and controlling exports of dual-use equipment. However, China’s role in supporting the Russian economy through consumer goods during sanctions was not addressed, raising concerns about Beijing’s true intentions.
Accusations of China saying one thing but doing another with belligerent partners like Russia and North Korea also went unresolved. Xi made a veiled swipe at Western nations, blaming Beijing for supporting Russia in its war on Ukraine. Macron was left disappointed with the lack of progress in addressing these critical issues, with minimal sacrifices made by China.
The visit highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing economic interests with geopolitical concerns, as France and China navigate their relationship amidst global tensions. As Xi’s visit came to a close, it became clear that deeper dialogue and cooperation will be needed to address the complex dynamics at play in the international arena. Stay tuned to Poh Diaries for more updates on this evolving situation.
