Macron’s interview
According to reports, Macron said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais that Europe is facing an unprecedented crisis. Europe's economic model has been "profoundly affected, directly or indirectly, by the war." Then he began to ask, "Essentially, an economic world structured around the United States and China is saying to Europe: 'Do you have your own path? A path of freedom, trust in markets, equality and solidarity at the same time? Or is it? Do you want to be a vassal of one of the two?” Then Macron himself responded that he could not fully answer this question yet, but he believed that the answer is obviously “an economically, technologically and militarily sovereign Europe.” In other words, a truly strong Europe.”
The report also said that when talking about Russia, Macron said that Russia is a “great country”, but currently due to an “internal existential crisis”, Russia has begun to "Seeking one's own destiny" - choosing an "imperialist destiny" and launching an "aggressive war" against neighboring countries. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is part of this process. Macron said, "The root of this war is an existential crisis within Russia. As we fight for Ukraine, when we send equipment to Kiev and sanction Russia, we must remember this and also ask ourselves this question , because if we do not come up with our own answer to this question, there will be no lasting peace.”
According to previous reports, in May last year, French President Macron proposed the establishment of a new organization, the European Political Community, in order to work with the EU to maintain the stability of the European continent. He said: "The EU cannot be the only way to build the European continent in the short term." European "democracies" including the United Kingdom and Ukraine can find "new space for political cooperation" within the framework of this democratic community. The content of cooperation It can involve security, energy, transportation, infrastructure investment and freedom of movement. When talking about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Macron said that the EU's goal is to end this conflict as soon as possible and do everything possible to prevent Russia from "never being able to seize Ukraine."
Extended reading
Can Macron, who plans to visit China in the spring, be a good "spokesperson" for Europe?
On January 19, local time, Bloomberg quoted news that French President Macron plans to visit China soon to discuss issues such as energy trade and the Russia-Ukraine conflict with China, as well as to seek to improve Sino-French relations.
The high-level interaction between China and France "will come naturally"
Bloomberg reported that the specific date of Macron's visit to China has not yet been determined, but it will try to complete it before the end of April.
In fact, this is not the first time that France has released news that Macron is going to visit China. French Foreign Minister Colonna had earlier revealed that Macron would visit China in a few weeks or months. At the fifth CIIE, French Ambassador to China Luo Liang also said, "We have been planning the French President's visit to China, because he has expressed his desire to come to China many times, and it is best to come every year." Before German Chancellor Scholz visited China in November last year, Macron even proposed to "come to China together" with Scholz, saying that this could show "EU unity" to China.
According to Cui Hongjian, director of the Institute of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, multiple statements and early warnings are enough to show that France is eager to engage in high-level contacts with China and exchange views on many bilateral, multilateral and regional issues. urgent desire.
However, after paying attention to the news that Macron may visit China, some Western public opinion began to "make a fuss" about the end of April. Some media exaggerated that the Elysee Palace had previously stated that if the epidemic Conditions permitting, Macron will visit China in early 2023. However, after going to Washington for face-to-face talks with US President Biden at the end of last year, Macron began to postpone his visit to China. Cui Hongjian pointed out that the arrangement of high-level exchanges needs to determine a suitable and mutually acceptable time according to their respective agendas, and they must be fully prepared for this. In addition, considering that the National Two Sessions will be held in March, therefore, April will not be held. It's not too late.
“The spring season can create a good atmosphere for communication between the two sides. By then, the high-level interaction between China and France will be well established,” Cui Hongjian said.
China also responded positively to Macron’s plan to visit China. Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye previously expressed in an interview that he warmly welcomes President Macron to visit China at the right time in 2023. At that time, the two heads of state can exchange extensive and in-depth views on bilateral and multilateral cooperation and draw a new blueprint for the development of China-France relations. Inject new impetus.
Lu Shaye, Chinese Ambassador to France
What does Macron want to talk about?
If Macron can make the trip this time, it will be his third visit to China since taking office as French president, and it will also be the second face-to-face meeting between the heads of state of China and France in about half a year.
In November 2022, the heads of state of China and France will meet during the G20 Summit. Both sides affirmed the China-France relations that have maintained a positive momentum of development and the progress made in important cooperation between the two countries, and made suggestions on deepening practical cooperation in traditional and new fields in the future.
Since then, under the leadership of the heads of state, the top leaders of the two countries have maintained close interactions. The foreign ministers of both sides have met or spoken on the phone many times, and communication has been maintained at all levels. Cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as economy and trade has also been steadily advancing, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been carried out flexibly.
"There are various signs that the French government is seeking to improve relations with China," Cui Hongjian said.
So, if Macron comes to China this time, what does Macron want to talk about? Cui Hongjian analyzed this and said that China-France relations are not only part of China-EU relations, but also have their own particularity. Historically, France was one of the first Western countries to establish normal diplomatic relations with New China, and it has always adhered to an independent diplomatic tradition. Therefore, Sino-French relations have long had a strong strategic nature. Under the current background of intensified changes in major power relations and the international situation, Sino-French relations should further reflect the characteristics of the times. Both sides must not only explore cooperation, but also face problems and challenges head-on. There are many topics that can be discussed.
“Specifically, at the level of bilateral relations, the two sides will further strengthen communication and reaffirm the consensus reached previously on adhering to multilateralism, opposing group politics, and opposing the new Cold War. At the same time, Discussions will be held on promoting cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In addition, as two major countries with global influence, regional and global hotspot affairs are also within the scope of strategic consultations between the two sides. Topics should also be mentioned in order to achieve more political understanding based on previous good communication," Cui Hongjian said.
Can France maintain strategic autonomy as the game intensifies?
Cui Hongjian also noticed that compared with the previous times, the timing of the news that Macron will visit China is more special this time. In this turbulent situation, China, Europe and the United States are exhibiting complex and subtle relationships on many issues.
In August last year, U.S. President Biden signed the "Inflation Reduction Act" with a total value of up to 750 billion US dollars. Some of the provisions involve the U.S. government providing high subsidies to the local electric vehicle industry and excluding imported electric vehicles. In addition to the subsidy list, it attempts to significantly increase the attractiveness of the United States to the new energy and electric vehicle industries. The move shocked and worried European leaders.
On January 17, European Commission President von der Leyen stated at the Davos Forum that the EU would adjust state aid rules and propose a net-zero industry bill to compete with the US "Inflation Reduction Act." Previously, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell also issued a statement condemning the US "Inflation Reduction Act" for harming the interests of European companies and disrespecting WTO rules.
Cui Hongjian pointed out that Macron's main task during his recent visit to the United States was to discuss the differences between Europe and the United States on the "Inflation Reduction Act" with Biden face-to-face, but this trip did not allow him to achieve completely satisfactory results. At present, the negotiations and consultations between Europe and the United States on this matter are progressing slowly. The United States has not shown enough sincerity to address Europe's concerns. The rift between the United States and Europe is deepening, and many EU countries have begun to carefully think about the future direction. Public opinion generally believes that Macron's preparations to visit China at this time indicate that EU countries will readjust their trade stances towards China and the United States.
At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the resulting chain reactions have also brought unprecedented challenges to France and Europe. In addition to the ongoing energy and economic crisis, the strategic autonomy it advocates has also been affected. extrusion. On January 20, local time, Macron said in an interview with Spain's El Pais that Europe's economic model has been "directly or indirectly profoundly affected by this conflict." He also asked and answered himself that he was in "labor pains." "Europe must choose whether to be economically independent or dependent on the United States or China.
“In this context, the interaction between China and France and China and Europe has more and more implications of great power competition and the evolution of a multi-polar structure.” When analyzing the demands and intentions of France, Cui Hongjian pointed out that in addition to developing relations with major forces in the world, including China, it also hopes to further clarify the positions of France and Europe in the world map, and to take advantage of changes in the relations between China, the United States and other major powers. Shape a geographical pattern that is more conducive to itself and seek more benefits.
Cui Hongjian further stated that although there is still a lack of doubts and even hostility towards China in Europe, the two sides have clear and huge common interests and a lot of common knowledge in international affairs, "2023 This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU. I hope that President Macron's visit will provide more solutions for strengthening bilateral relations. At the same time, as the "spokesperson" of Europe, he will contribute to the future development of China-EU relations and European strategic independence. construction and lay a stronger foundation.”