The Globalist

Emmanuel Macron’s balancing act on his state visit to China

Dec 3, 2025
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INSIGHT

Macron's Visit Aims To Reset Trade Balance

  • Emmanuel Macron's China trip aims to rebalance trade and security ties amid a 300bn euro EU trade deficit with China.
  • France faces particular pressure because 46% of its trade deficit derives from China, pushing Macron to reset the relationship.
INSIGHT

China Seeks Signs Of European Nonalignment

  • China wants demonstrations that Europe, especially France, won't fully side with the US in the US-China rivalry.
  • Frequent Macron visits help Beijing show there's European diplomatic independence from Washington.
INSIGHT

Key Sectors On The Line In Paris-Beijing Talks

  • Macron must defend sectors like autos, EVs, steel and green tech against Chinese industrial subsidies.
  • France's vulnerabilities differ from Germany's but include punitive Chinese actions on wines and spirits when tensions rise.
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