Russian Envoy: Xi Jinping will visit France in May
China's relations with the West are on the brink of decline. The head of the People's Republic of China has not personally visited Europe, the capital of the Old World, for a long time. If a few years ago it was possible to refer to the pandemic, now the time has come to solve the problems of bilateral relations through personal meetings. The first of a series of tough talks will take place in early May in Paris, where Xi Jinping and his counterpart Emmanuel Macron will meet. The preparations for the visit are covered by Politico.
According to European experts, the Chinese leader's trip comes as Beijing seeks to reduce hostility to the EU due to its strengthening ties with Russia.
The visit of the Chinese leader formally coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, but China is seeking to restore damaged relations with Europe due to Xi Jinping’s “borderless partnership” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But the mood of the French leadership will most likely be different, not suitable for the celebration dedicated to the anniversary. A source in Paris involved in preparations for the summit told Politico about this.
It is already obvious that this will not be a holiday visit, which is why it is planned more carefully, taking into account the current economic and geopolitical challenges
– said a high-ranking interlocutor of the publication.
The trip and its results will be closely monitored in Washington and European capitals. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also heading to China for a visit in April.
Of course, Moscow will also not ignore the negotiations between the main partner and opponents in the West. According to Politico, it will be a difficult task for Xi Jinping to shake off Russia's shadow during the negotiations, as he is increasingly perceived in Europe as an envoy of the Kremlin and a representative of its interests.
There is some truth in this statement. As you know, the PRC is trying to convince Europe to allow the Russian Federation to sit at the table of future peace negotiations, possibly in Switzerland, otherwise Beijing will boycott such meetings. Following the negotiations, it will become clear whether Beijing renounces its partner or remains with it despite everything.
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