Next week, French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on a three-day state visit to the Chinese mainland, with stops in Beijing and Chengdu starting December 3. At a time of geopolitical flux and economic recalibration, his trip aims to chart a course for a truly multipolar world.
Brussels and Beijing have long navigated a nuanced relationship, viewing each other as partners, competitors and systemic rivals. Macron’s mission is to translate Europe’s ambition for strategic autonomy into a real-world agenda—one that balances cooperation with healthy competition under a shared multilateral framework.
Economically, the era of unfettered globalization is giving way to a more cautious approach often dubbed “de-risking”. France is positioned to tap into China’s shift toward high-quality development and consumption upgrading. With world-class strengths in aerospace, civil nuclear energy, luxury goods and high-value agriculture, Paris hopes to forge more reciprocal and balanced partnerships.
Yet the future of EU–China cooperation lies beyond trade volumes. The green and digital transitions offer breakthrough opportunities:
- Renewable Energy Ventures: Joint development of next-gen solar panels, offshore wind farms and green hydrogen projects can accelerate global decarbonization.
- Smart Mobility and Infrastructure: Collaborations on electric vehicle charging networks and smart grids promise sustainable urban solutions.
- Digital Innovation: Working together on AI ethics, cloud services, cybersecurity and digital tools for small businesses can set new global standards.
Macron’s visit also signals Europe’s intent to act as a sovereign power. By engaging on its own terms—with both the United States and the Chinese mainland—Europe seeks to safeguard its competitiveness while building pragmatic ties with key global players.
As the world watches, this trip will test whether strategic vision can translate into tangible outcomes, setting the tone for EU–China relations in the years ahead.
Reference(s):
Macron's China visit: A strategic reaffirmation for a multipolar world
cgtn.com
