European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris on May 6 to discuss the EU’s commitment to protecting its economy and security. During the talks, von der Leyen emphasized the need for fair trade rules and readiness to utilize trade defense instruments if necessary, particularly in light of concerns regarding Chinese subsidies for electric cars and steel that are flooding the European market.
French President Macron echoed these sentiments, urging President Xi to adhere to fair global trade rules in EU-China exchanges. Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing relations with China in a manner that safeguards the interests of the European economy and promotes mutual cooperation.
Von der Leyen highlighted significant imbalances in trade relations with China, particularly in the manufacturing sector where Chinese support leads to surplus production that cannot be absorbed globally. She also expressed frustration over limited market access for EU companies in China, calling for greater openness and transparency from China on its trade practices.
Macron agreed with these concerns, emphasizing the need for a balanced relationship between Europe and China that benefits both parties. He urged Xi to address issues such as intellectual property rights and cybersecurity, which are important considerations for European businesses operating in China.
Overall, the talks between von der Leyen, Macron, and Xi highlighted the challenges facing EU-China relations, particularly in terms of trade balances and market access. However, both leaders reiterated their commitment to working together with China to develop a mutually beneficial relationship that promotes economic growth and security for all parties involved.
