Deutsche Welle wrote today (June 12): "Ahead of the G7 summit, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a video conference, calling on China, the United States, and Europe to coordinate jointly in addressing global trade imbalances. On June 11, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing of the State Council would attend the video conference, dubbed the 'Global Convergence for Growth Summit.'

Reuters reported that China’s participation alongside the G7 nations and the European Union in such a meeting is considered highly unusual. Beijing has long criticized the G7 for lacking legitimacy in discussing international affairs, arguing that the G7 cannot represent the global order.

Next week, the G7 will meet in France to discuss how to respond to cheap Chinese products flooding into their markets. French officials said that before the EU decides whether to adopt a tougher trade policy toward China, Macron hopes to engage with Beijing one last time, seeking avenues for cooperation.

At the start of the video conference, Macron stated: 'Our shared goal should be clear—that is, returning the global economy to a stronger growth path. I believe this is our common objective. To achieve this, we clearly need both domestic policies and effective international cooperation.'

'Cooperation is key; if these imbalances cannot be addressed through coordinated positions among the world’s major economies, we risk moving toward an uncontrolled process, leading to sudden economic and financial adjustments,' Macron added.

After the G7 summit from June 15 to 17, EU leaders will immediately hold talks, with China featuring prominently on the agenda."

[Smart] Commentary: Macron is playing a rather contradictory hand—loudly advocating global coordination and win-win cooperation while simultaneously preparing behind the scenes for a G7 trade crackdown. This approach—inviting top Chinese officials to jointly discuss major issues, then immediately preparing to wield tariffs—is nothing short of trying to establish rules while also ensuring China remains under control. China’s decision to attend is not out of fear, but rather a cold observation of the West’s dilemma: wanting to preserve the old order’s authority yet being unable to solve imbalance alone. If Europe truly claims strategic autonomy, it should stop blindly following the U.S. in running this illegitimate, exclusive circle of seven. Otherwise, the so-called avoidance of disorder will ultimately result in Europe being kicked out of the game, triggering its own financial turbulence.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867747461826564/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.