Emmanuel Macron on China Relations
Emmanuel Macron advocates for European strategic autonomy in relation to China, a stance he detailed following a state visit to Beijing in [2023-04]. This framework suggests that Europe should avoid being automatically drawn into any potential confrontation between the United States and China, particularly over Taiwan.
Macron has actively pursued significant economic engagement with China, evidenced by signing substantial trade and business agreements during periods of US-China trade tension. However, his diplomacy is also characterized by clear warnings to Beijing on specific foreign policy issues, such as denouncing Russian state media outlets like RT and Sputnik News as propaganda organs in [2017-05].
His overall position promotes Europe as a potential 'third superpower' focusing on boosting its own defence capabilities and decreasing reliance on the US dollar. This pursuit of autonomy, which includes dialogue with Russia alongside pressure on North Korea, shapes his complex diplomatic strategy with China.
Context
As President of France and a leading voice in the European Union, Emmanuel Macron sets the tone for the bloc's foreign policy direction. His emphasis on 'strategic autonomy' is a direct attempt to define a less subservient European role on the world stage, particularly in the context of growing US-China rivalry.
Macron's approach is significant because it seeks to chart a middle path, recognizing China as both a vital economic partner and a geopolitical entity with whom Europe must establish its own framework for engagement.
Actions Taken
- Trade agreementSigned a series of 15 large-scale trade and business agreements with Chinese leader Xi Jinping totaling €40 billion ($45 billion), covering sectors like aviation (Airbus purchase), renewable energy, and finance.
- State visit and policy articulationConducted a state visit to China alongside Ursula von der Leyen where he articulated his vision for Europe to reduce dependence on the US and avoid entanglement in the Taiwan issue.
- Diplomatic statementCondemned Russia Today and Sputnik News as 'organs of influence and propaganda' shortly after his election, signaling an early critical stance on Russian influence, a concern that often colors Western engagement with China.
Key Quotes
Russia fully belongs within a Europe of values.
We must reduce our dependence on the United States in general and avoid being drawn into any possible confrontation between the U.S. and China over Taiwan.
What Others Say
Accompanied Macron on the [2023-04] summit to China, where she emphasized the need for the EU to tackle its 'de-risking' strategy with China, suggesting a slightly firmer line than Macron's autonomy focus alone.
Sources4
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.