Photo: Xinhua
The armed conflict in Ukraine will be the central topic of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron. This was reported on 5 May by the Europe 1 television channel.
"It is hard to imagine that the head of China would suddenly change his position. After all, China is a central figure in several international organisations, including not only Russia but also North Korea and Iran. So its (China's) value system and belief system is completely opposite to that of the West and Europe," said China expert Alain Wong.
According to the TV channel, the meeting will touch on trade issues between the two countries, particularly the opening of new Chinese factories for the production of electric batteries. Strengthening economic cooperation with European Union (EU) countries is important for China, which is competing with the US.
"China's key strategy is to prevent Europe from allying with the United States against it. From this point of view, Emmanuel Macron's idea of a 'third way' is very interesting for China because it divides the West into two parts," explained Alain Wong.
Wong noted that the West is demanding that China stop supporting Russia, but the meeting between the two leaders is unlikely to affect Beijing's relations with Moscow.
Earlier, Macron spoke of the importance of the PRC for Europe in addressing security and climate issues. The French leader also advocated strengthening European sovereignty while maintaining economic cooperation with China.
President Xi Jinping will not only make an official visit to France from 5 to 10 May, but will also visit Serbia and Hungary for talks with his counterparts. It is the first visit by a Chinese leader to Europe in five years and signals Beijing's intention to mend relations with the EU amid trade disputes with Brussels and recriminations over Moscow's support.
TASS/gnews.cz-JaV_07
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