French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the serene heights of the Pyrenees mountains on Tuesday, aiming to bridge the significant trade divide between Europe and China amidst ongoing global tensions. The two leaders, accompanied by their spouses, met in this historically rich and symbolic location for a series of private discussions far removed from the usual flurry of aides and media that typically accompany such high-level talks.
The meeting in the Pyrenees was designed to be personal, situated in a place dear to Macron as the birthplace of his maternal grandmother, and intended to provide a relaxed backdrop conducive to dialogue. During their encounter, Macron aimed to persuade Xi to address the trade imbalance between Europe and China, pushing for better access for European companies and reduced Chinese subsidies to exporters.
Despite the informal and intimate setting, the discussions did not appear to yield significant breakthroughs in terms of solid trade agreements. However, smaller successes were noted, such as China's agreement to import more French pork products, signaling a potential thaw in the tough trade relations.
Macron's approach to these talks reflects his broader diplomatic style, characterized by establishing personal connections with world leaders, even those with whom he has deep disagreements. This method has been evident in his interactions with other global figures, though with mixed results in achieving substantial diplomatic or trade concessions.
Xi's visit, part of a broader European tour that includes stops in Serbia and Hungary, comes at a time when Europe is grappling with economic challenges and security concerns. His tour aims to strengthen China's ties with Europe during a period of heightened global instability. The discussions in the Pyrenees thus served not only as bilateral talks but also as a strategic alignment amidst broader geopolitical shifts.
The Pyrenees setting provided a contrast to the grandiose state visit in Paris, which included ceremonial welcomes and state dinners, highlighting the shift from public spectacle to private negotiation. Macron's personal diplomacy was on full display as he presented Xi with local products such as a woolen blanket, a Tour de France jersey, and armagnac, a gesture of goodwill and cultural exchange.
However, the effectiveness of Macron's personal diplomacy is a subject of debate within France. Some critics argue that these efforts, while creating memorable images, do not always translate into concrete policy achievements or advancements in France's strategic interests. This skepticism was echoed by commentators who drew parallels between Macron's engagements with Xi and his past interactions with other controversial leaders.
