Macron Begins China Visit as Europe Balances Reliance and Rivalry

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day state visit to China at a time when Europe is attempting to maintain cooperation while confronting rising trade and geopolitical tensions.

His meetings in Beijing and Chengdu will focus on trade imbalances, industrial competition and areas where both sides may still expand cooperation.

The visit comes as the European Union reassesses its economic exposure to China, particularly in sectors such as steel, electric vehicles and rare-earth processing, where Chinese production has put European manufacturers under pressure.

European officials argue that the current trade structure is unsustainable and that China must increase domestic demand rather than depend heavily on exports to Europe.

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Macron is expected to raise concerns about market access barriers and subsidies that, according to European trade officials, distort competition. At the same time, France wants to secure future cooperation in aviation, energy transition technologies and agriculture. French companies are seeking regulatory clarity and stable conditions for long-term operations in China.

The broader European debate has shifted from partnership to a position described as de-risking, which aims to protect critical sectors without severing economic ties. Macron has supported this approach and will attempt to align France’s bilateral agenda with the collective EU position, while signaling that Europe does not intend to escalate toward a full trade confrontation.

Diplomats say the visit will test whether China is willing to address European concerns or continue prioritizing industrial expansion. There is also attention on whether major commercial agreements, including a potential Airbus order, will be announced, though negotiators caution that discussions remain complex.

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For Macron, the trip reflects a strategic calculation: Europe cannot ignore China’s economic weight, yet it must respond to vulnerabilities exposed in supply chains and critical technologies. The outcome of the visit will shape how Europe approaches China in the coming year, both economically and diplomatically.