Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has warned of the risk of the “disintegration of the international order” as he met Xi Jinping in Beijing amid growing trade tensions between China and Europe.
“We are facing the risk of the disintegration of the international order that brought peace to the world for decades. In this context, dialogue between China and France is more essential than ever,” Macron said on Thursday after talks with the Chinese leader.
“We have many ways of convergence,” he added. “We sometimes have disagreements, but we have the responsibility to know how to overcome them . . . for an effective multilateralism in which we believe.”
Xi earlier called on Macron to “hold high the banner of multilateralism” and prevent others from interfering in their relationship, in an opening statement ahead of bilateral talks.
The Chinese president’s comments at the Great Hall of the People were a veiled reference to charges that European policy towards China is unduly influenced by a hawkish US administration under President Donald Trump.
“China is willing to work with France to always proceed from the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the long-term interests of the international community and eliminate all kinds of interference,” Xi told Macron.
The French head of state’s visit to China is his fourth since he became president in 2017. It comes as Macron is set to take over the G7 presidency in 2026, when addressing global economic imbalances will be at the top of his agenda.
Tensions have been growing between Beijing and its European partners over China’s soaring trade and investment imbalances and export-led growth.
China’s introduction of export controls for rare earths, whose production it dominates, is also an acute concern for European countries dependent on the critical minerals for industries ranging from automotive to defence.
A judge in France is expected to rule on the government’s proposed three-month ban on China-founded fast-fashion and ecommerce retailer Shein’s operations in the country this week, after illegal products were found on its marketplace.
China has opened anti-dumping investigations into European products. While a probe into cognac exports has largely been resolved, others — notably on EU dairy products — are under way, with decisions on additional tariffs expected within the coming weeks, according to industry leaders.
France has been keen to encourage China to act as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but has had little success.
