Macron Aims to Pressure Xi Jinping. Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to exert pressure on Chinese President Xi Jinping with the aim of reducing the trade imbalance and persuading him to use his influence over Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, Reuters reports.

It is noteworthy that President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Paris on Sunday, marking his first visit to Europe in the last five years. The media emphasizes that achieving any of these objectives during Xi's two-day visit to France will not be easy, especially amid rising trade tensions between Europe and China.

Reuters mentions that France supports the European Union’s investigation into electric vehicle exports from China, while in January, Beijing initiated an investigation concerning the import of cognac, which is primarily produced in France. This step is seen by many as a retaliatory measure in response to increasing EU investigations.

“We must continue to insist that Chinese authorities provide us with more guarantees regarding trade issues,” said an advisor from the Élysée Palace ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit.

It should be noted that Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in France around 16:00 (1400 GMT). His official meetings will include joint discussions with Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Disagreements between the 27 EU member states, particularly between France and Germany, undermine their ability to exert influence on China. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is not expected to join Macron and Xi Jinping in Paris due to previously undertaken commitments, sources report.

According to officials, France will also seek to make progress in opening the Chinese market for its agricultural exports and addressing concerns related to intellectual property rights regarding the French cosmetics industry.