French President Emmanuel Macron pulled out all the stops to charm Chinese President Xi Jinping during his recent visit to France. Despite Macron's efforts, Xi remained tight-lipped on major trade and foreign policy issues, leaving Macron with little to show for his hospitality.
The visit began with warm greetings as Macron and his wife welcomed Xi and his wife at the airport in France's picturesque Pyrenees region. Following a day of formal discussions in Paris, Macron whisked Xi away to the mountains for a more intimate setting.
Breaking with tradition, Macron arranged for private chats with Xi amidst the breathtaking scenery, which holds personal significance for Macron due to his family ties to the area.
Macron's primary aim was to address the trade gap between Europe and China, pushing for better market access for European companies in China and reduced subsidies for Chinese exporters.
Despite the fog obstructing their view, the two leaders enjoyed a meal featuring locally sourced delicacies, including ham, lamb, cheese, and blueberry pie. Macron presented Xi with gifts representing the region, including a woolen blanket and a Tour de France cycling jersey.
However, Macron's past attempts to build personal rapport with world leaders haven't always yielded desired results. Xi remained firm on key issues, signaling goodwill but offering no significant concessions.
Although some agreements were reached between French and Chinese companies, they mostly centered around cooperation rather than concrete solutions to trade disputes. China did agree to import certain agricultural products from France, potentially boosting French exports.
Notably absent was a major aircraft order from Airbus, dampening European hopes for significant economic gains from the visit. Despite this, Macron characterized Xi's attitude as "open" toward resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
Analysts suggest that the visit may have been more about positioning for future negotiations, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US election and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Unlike his usual affable demeanor with counterparts, Macron refrained from overly familiar gestures with Xi, perhaps recognizing the need for diplomatic restraint.
Xi's visit to the Pyrenees draws parallels to previous visits by world leaders, such as Trump's attendance at the Bastille Day parade and Putin's trip to Macron's summer retreat.
The EU continues to grapple with a significant trade deficit with China, highlighting the challenges that persist despite diplomatic efforts.
While Macron's efforts may not have yielded immediate results, the visit underscores the ongoing complexity of EU-China relations and the importance of dialogue in addressing trade imbalances and other issues.
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