From pandas to nuclear power: what Macron wants from his trip to China

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Beijing for his three-day visit to China on Wednesday – and he is not coming alone. Alongside his wife Brigitte, the French leader is bringing a delegation of more than 80 people, including multiple ministers and nearly 40 CEOs from across the corporate world.

Despite rising trade tensions between China and Europe, the long guestlist signals that Macron is travelling to Beijing looking to do business – and hints at France’s likely priorities.

From nuclear power to pandas, the Post breaks down the key areas to monitor for potential deals based on our reporting and the list of delegation members released by Paris on Tuesday.

Charging ahead with energy cooperation

Paris made it clear during a briefing last week that both sides were aiming to sign agreements in the energy sector when Macron meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.

“The list of agreements is still being negotiated and we are continuing to work on several agreements in the field of energy,” a source from the Elysee Palace, the French presidential office, told the Post on Tuesday on condition of anonymity, citing professional norms in France.

Among the CEOs accompanying Macron to China will be Bernard Fontana, head of Electricite de France (EDF) – the state-owned French energy giant that, among other things, is in charge of building and operating the country’s nuclear power plants.

EDF signed a special cooperation agreement with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to build advanced nuclear power facilities in 2024. The two companies pledged to work together to “assist both countries in achieving their carbon neutrality goals”, according to a CNNC statement.

South China Morning Post