中文
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at a rally after the first round of French presidential election in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Zhang Peijin
French President Emmanuel Macron's forthcoming state visit to China is a highly anticipated diplomatic event, which carries significance extends far beyond the bilateral scope.
The three-day visit from December 3, with two stops in Beijing and Chengdu in the southwest, comes at a critical inflection point for a global order beset by geopolitical upheavals, economic uncertainties, and a discernible trend towards regional fragmentation.
In this complex landscape, the relationship between China and the European Union stands as one of the most consequential partnerships of the 21st century. Macron's visit is not merely a routine diplomatic engagement but a strategic maneuver aimed at articulating and shaping a forward-looking vision for EU-China relations – one characterized by pragmatic cooperation, managed competition, and a reaffirmed commitment to a multilateral framework.
The economic relationship between China and the EU is undergoing a profound transformation. The era of unfettered globalization has given way to a more cautious era of "de-risking."
Brussels's discussions with Beijing have been mainly guided by the EU's China strategy that regards China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. China has complained that this strategy could be confusing, that's why Beijing hopes to see Paris play a leading role in guiding Europe to become a truly independent power and help contribute to a stable multipolar world.
When President Macron, a leading proponent of "European strategic autonomy," arrives in China, his economic agenda will be a practical test of this concept. The goal is to foster a more reciprocal and balanced economic partnership.
France, with its world-class competencies in aerospace, civil nuclear energy, luxury goods, and high-value agriculture, is well positioned to engage with a Chinese market increasingly focused on high-quality development and consumption upgrading.
The future of cooperation lies beyond the established trade domains. The green and digital transitions represent unprecedented avenues for China-EU collaboration.
On climate change, a shared existential global threat, China and Europe have a compelling mutual interest to lead. Joint ventures in renewable energy technologies – such as next-generation solar panels, offshore wind power, and green hydrogen – can accelerate the global decarbonization agenda.
Both have a mutual interest in sharing and accelerating technological innovation. Collaborative partnerships in sustainable urban mobility, including electric vehicle infrastructure and smart grids, can define the next era of technological partnership.
In the digital realm, the potential is equally vast, though it requires careful navigation. Cooperation on artificial intelligence ethics and governance frameworks can help set global standards. Collaboration in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises can create new markets.
This expansive economic agenda underscores a fundamental point: Europe is approaching China from a position of self-assured partnership, not subordinate allegiance. It is determined to be a sovereign actor that engages with both the United States and China on its own terms, based on its own interests.
Macron's mission is to translate this strategic autonomy into tangible outcomes, ensuring European competitiveness while engaging pragmatically with a critical partner.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron have tea by the water, enjoying the view and discussing the past and present, at the Pine Garden in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Beyond the economic charts and trade statistics, the visit carries profound geopolitical symbolism as well. The recent escalation of China-Japan tensions is a stark reminder of the fragile regional stability. In this context, the expected joint reaffirmation by China and France to uphold the outcomes of World War II is far from a ceremonial gesture.
A statement on a recent phone call between China's top diplomat Wang Yi and the French president's diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne reiterates France's adherence to the one-China policy, and understands China's legitimate position on the Taiwan question.
Stressing the importance of the sound development of EU-China relations, Bonne said France is willing to play a positive role in EU-China dialogue and cooperation based on sound France-China ties.
Bonne's remarks come as relations between China and Japan soured this month over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, suggesting that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China's Taiwan region is "attacked."
France and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and their shared stance is a powerful declaration in defense of the post-war international order and a direct repudiation of any resurgence of militarism. This common historical consciousness forms a unique bond of trust, providing a stable platform from which both nations can advocate for diplomatic solutions and stability in an increasingly volatile world.
This foundation is further reinforced by the crucial principle of mutual understanding on core interests. For China, this relates to its fundamental concerns regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. For France and the EU, it translates into China's recognition of Europe as a cohesive and autonomous global actor, whose strategic choices are not dictated by Washington.
This mutual respect is the essential lubricant that enables the relationship to manage certain disagreements without the entire partnership grinding to a halt. It enables the kind of frank and constructive dialogue that is the hallmark of a mature and resilient strategic relationship.
Macron's visit to China is a multifaceted diplomatic enterprise of global importance. It is an effort to steer the colossal ship of EU-China relations towards a future defined not by bloc-based confrontation, but by managed interdependence and strategic maturity.
By championing a rebalanced economic partnership rooted in reciprocity and innovation, by standing together on the foundational lessons of history, and by navigating the world with a commitment to diplomatic autonomy, China and France are demonstrating what a multipolar world can and should look like.
Their dialogue is a necessary antidote to the simplistic binaries of a new Cold War and a vital testament to the enduring imperative of international cooperation in the face of shared global challenges. The success of Macron's visit will be measured by its ability to build guardrails for competition while simultaneously opening new highways for collaboration.
Zhang Peijin is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN.
