In an effort to play a role in stopping the ongoing war in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly leveraging his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to an April 29 report by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, Macron’s strategy is part of a broader diplomatic push.
Xi Jinping is set to make a rare visit to the European Union, marking his first trip to the region in five years. His itinerary includes stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary starting May 5, as announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The article from Bloomberg points out that those countries are eager for Chinese investment despite various EU investigations into China’s industrial policies and warnings from US officials about potential risks.
China has maintained an official stance of neutrality concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine, but concerns persist in Washington regarding China’s support for Moscow’s defense industry expansion.
Macron is prepared to use Xi’s two-day stay in France to request that Xi persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine. The French leader is also aiming to draw Chinese investment into France’s electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, detailed in the Bloomberg report.
The schedule for Xi includes a dinner hosted by Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, followed by an invitation to the Pyrenees Mountains.
Furthermore, Macron will participate in a three-way meeting with Xi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, announced Eric Mamer, von der Leyen’s spokesperson, on Twitter on April 29.
The French president has been outspoken in advocating for a more robust European defense, including support for increasing defense manufacturing and military assistance to Ukraine.
In a speech given at Sorbonne University on April 25, Macron called for EU members to bolster their military capabilities and reassess their position in the international arena, highlighting the current risks faced by Europe.
Macron has characterized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an existential threat to both France and Europe and has suggested that sending Western troops to Ukraine should not be excluded.
FAQ Section:
Q: What is the main goal of French President Emmanuel Macron in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping?
A: Macron’s main goal is to convince Xi Jinping to use his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
Q: When will Xi Jinping visit the European Union?
A: Xi will begin his visit to the European Union on May 5, which will be his first visit to the region in five years.
Q: What is the geopolitical context of Xi Jinping’s visit to France, Serbia, and Hungary?
A: Despite the scrutiny of China’s industrial policies by the EU and warnings from US officials, these countries are interested in Chinese investments.
Q: Has China taken a side in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
A: Officially, China declares itself neutral in the conflict, but there are ongoing concerns about its support for Russia’s defense industry.
Q: What other initiatives is Macron pursuing in relation to European defense?
A: Macron is pushing for a stronger European defense system, including increased defense production and providing military aid to Ukraine.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, French President Emmanuel Macron is strategically using his diplomatic ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an attempt to mediate the situation in Ukraine. By advocating for a discussion with Xi on Putin’s war in Ukraine, Macron is highlighting the role international leaders can play in influencing peace and stability in the region. As the European Union grapples with the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and its broader implications, Macron’s move reflects a broader effort to engage in high-stakes diplomacy to find a resolution.
Note: The information in this article is a rewritten version sourced from various sources on the internet through AI news feed technology. The original content from Kyiv Independent is referenced for further details. TheUBJ does not claim ownership or authorship of the news content.