French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot embarked on a two-day diplomatic mission to China on Thursday, engaging in discussions with Chinese officials concerning the conflict in Ukraine and persistent trade disputes involving Chinese-European relations.
Barrot convened with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who emphasized the importance of “choosing multilateralism over unilateralism” and encouraging “mutual benefit and win-win outcomes instead of decoupling and isolation.” Wang Yi’s statements resonated with China’s frequent criticism of U.S. policies and the Western-led political structure.
Subsequently, Barrot held a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, who remarked on the growing volatility globally: “As we all know, the world is currently not peaceful, and instability and uncertainty are increasing.” He underscored that “China and France should strengthen cooperation” to bring more certainty to international relations.
During the dialogue, Barrot acknowledged that the world is undergoing significant challenges, with foundational principles, especially multilateralism, being questioned. He noted that Europe is evolving, guided by strategic autonomy, and emphasized Europe’s considerable investments in defense and energy.
Barrot’s itinerary includes a trip to Shanghai on Friday to engage with local officials and business leaders. His visit comes at a critical time, as France strongly supports Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, while China maintains a supportive stance toward Russia through diplomatic means and economic exchanges.
These talks take place against a backdrop of emerging tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine, with perceptions of Washington increasingly aligning with Moscow’s interests. French President François Macron indicated plans for potential European military deployment in Ukraine under a prospective peace agreement, which may act as a deterrent to any further Russian aggression.
Trade has also been a point of contention, with Europe consistently voicing grievances over unequal Chinese trade practices, such as mandatory partnerships and knowledge sharing, culminating in substantial Chinese trade surpluses. Alongside these discussions, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to climate change cooperation, celebrating a decade since the Paris Agreement’s inception.
Both sides emphasized the critical need for international cooperation in combating climate change, improving biodiversity, and ecosystem protection. Amidst environmental dialogue, it is notable that China ranks as the foremost producer and consumer of fossil fuels, predominantly coal.
The global context is further complicated by the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement under the previous administration, along with receding support for international climate and aid programs. These developments highlight ongoing debates about environmental policy and international collaboration.