French President Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged gifts in a diplomatic attempt to resolve trade tensions, while EU’s Ursula von der Leyen confronts the influx of cheap Chinese goods threatening European industries.
In a diplomatic encounter aimed at soothing trade-escalated tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and presented him with two bottles of Cognac, specifically Hennessy X.O. and Louis XIII by Remy Martin. This gesture took place against the backdrop of China’s anti-dumping probe targeting French Cognac, a retaliatory move in reaction to EU’s inquiries into subsidies for Chinese products. During this state visit, Xi reciprocated with culturally significant gifts including a stuffed bird, French-language books published in China, and a painting, whereas Macron also gave Xi rare volumes by Victor Hugo and a French-Chinese dictionary. The exchange occurred amidst broader tensions between China and the European Union.
On a related front, the European Union, represented by European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, has taken a firm stance against the surge of inexpensive Chinese goods, such as electric cars, steel, and renewable energy technologies, into EU markets. During a meeting with President Xi, von der Leyen insisted on the necessity ofprotecting European industries and jobs, indicating potential readiness to initiate a trade war if essential to guard against economic threats from Chinese state-supported enterprises. This dialogue underscores ongoing European endeavors to ensure fair competition and protect its markets, aligning with similar concerns expressed by the US regarding economic stability and security influences from Chinese imports.
