Macron Cautions Against Avoiding China Prior to Xi Meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to maintain trade and diplomatic ties with China during his state visit to the country. He argued that dialogue with China was vital given its close relationship with Russia, which is currently waging a war in Ukraine. Macron stated that any country that sent arms to Moscow would be complicit in a breach of international law. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, is due to join Macron on her first visit to China since taking office more than three years ago. She has called for the EU to “de-risk” its ties with China, including limiting Chinese access to sensitive technology and reducing reliance on China for key inputs.