Macron visited Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed pride in the latest Paris-Beijing relations boost. Xi said the two leaders had sent “a strong signal to the world about steadfastly upholding multilateralism and free trade, as well as working together to build open economies”. Meanwhile, Macron referenced the ongoing trade disputes between the US and China calling for increased unity between the world’s economies.
He said China and Europe “share the same feeling that trade war only results in losers” while adding that “developing market access and partnerships between our companies is a priority”.
The two leaders convened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and have now signed commercial agreements with a total value of over £11billion, covering markets such as aviation, finance and environmental protection.
This comes amid ongoing talks between Washington and Beijing over the ongoing trade war, where both the US and China have hiked tariffs and placed down increasing trade barriers after a fall out over Chinese theft of trade secrets.
The French President did not speak fondly of the US President when the conversation turned to the Paris climate agreement, when Mr Macron appeared to take a swipe at Trump, who is withdrawing from the deal.
Macron expressed “regret” over “some countries’ negative attitude” towards fighting the world’s climate crisis, coming as France and China reiterated their support for the deal.
This was made clear by a statement released by Macron’s administration in Paris.
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Trump’s decision to remove the US from the deal made the country the world’s sole non-signatory and prompted panicked efforts by the EU to keep the agreement in tact.
In a show of solidarity, hundreds of local governments, businesses and organisations in the US have joined the We Are Still In movement, pledging to cut emissions and move to renewable energy.
Macron and Xi seem to be growing closer at a time where Trump’s protectionist policy is leaving the US increasingly isolated.