French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen urged Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris on Monday to ensure more balanced trade with Europe, at a start of a two-day visit during which Macron also pressed him on Ukraine,
Reuters reports.
Xi was in Europe for the first time in five years, at a time of growing business tensions that include the European Union investigating Chinese industries such as electric vehicle exports, while Beijing probes mostly French-made brandy imports.
The European Union "cannot absorb massive over-production of Chinese industrial goods flooding its market," von der Leyen told reporters after she, Macron and Xi held talks at a round table under the gilded ceilings of the Elysee Palace.
"Europe will not waver from making tough decisions needed to protect its market," she said, in reference to the trade probes and the sanctions that could follow. The relationship between Europe and China is hurt by unequal market access and by Chinese state subsidies, she said.
Macron told Xi that Europe and China needed to resolve structural difficulties, in particular on trade, adding that Europe's future would partly depend on its capacity to develop a balanced relationship with China.
The EU's more robust stance on trade with China dovetails with Washington's approach. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned China that Washington will not accept new industries being "decimated" by Chinese imports.
In brief public comments ahead of the talks, Xi said he viewed relations with Europe as a priority of China's foreign policy.
"As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, as two important forces in this world, China and Europe should adhere to the positioning of partners, adhere to dialogue and cooperation..." Xi said.
Minutes earlier, Macron and Xi shook hands in the Elysee Palace courtyard while the Republican Guard orchestra played.
Macron has a tendency to hug his counterparts but Xi does not. Macron appeared to give Xi's arm a squeeze as they were shaking hands. Macron walked into the Elysee Palace with him.
The two later reviewed troops together during an official welcome ceremony.
