France-China-EU Tripartite Summit. Macron Calls for “Fair Rules” in Trade and “Coordination” in Major Crises. What Xi Jinping Says | VIDEO

“The future of our continent will also depend very clearly on our ability to develop relations with China in a balanced manner,” Macron said at the opening of the summit at the Élysée Palace, where the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is also participating.

Macron also evoked the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Gaza Strip, inviting Beijing to “coordinate” on “major crises”.

“China and the European Union have a shared interest in peace and security”, stressed Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirming her “determination to end the war of aggression (led by Russia – no) against Ukraine and to reach a peace sustainable and fair”.

“We have an interest in demonstrating that our collaboration produces effects”, added the president of the European Commission, evoking the “challenge (…) of the substantial economic relationship” between Brussels and Beijing.

For his part, Xi Jinping spoke about strengthening “strategic coordination” between China and the European Union, appreciating that they must remain “partners” despite multiple differences, from trade to Ukraine, France-Presse notes, according to Agerpres.

“As major world powers, China and the EU must remain partners, continue dialogue and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, strengthen strategic mutual trust, strengthen strategic consensus and move to strategic coordination,” he said. the Chinese leader.

The EU considers China a partner state, but also a competitor and a systemic rival. Beijing did not take kindly to the opening of an investigation by the European Commission into subsidies for electric cars.

On the other hand, China is criticized by Westerners, especially Europeans, for its position in the war in Ukraine. Even though he calls for respecting the territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, Xi has never publicly condemned Russia. Instead, he calls Putin his friend, while Chinese companies export to Russia products necessary for the arms industry.

Xi Jinping arrived in Paris on Sunday afternoon for a two-day state visit on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of French-Chinese diplomatic relations.

After a ceremony scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Dome of the Invalides, the Chinese leader will return to the Elysée Palace for another meeting with Macron and then for an official dinner. The two state leaders will go to the Pyrenees on Tuesday for a private trip, accompanied by their wives, states France-Presse.

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