【Text by Observers Network, Liu Bai】 Two years ago, when French President Macron visited China, he brought European Commission President von der Leyen with him.

However, according to a report by Hong Kong English media South China Morning Post on November 28, next week, von der Leyen will not accompany Macron on his visit to China, breaking the recent convention.

The report said that in previous meetings between Macron and Chinese leaders, EU-related participation was included, which was seen as his effort to promote "Europeanization" in handling Sino-European relations.

In April 2023, Macron and von der Leyen visited Beijing together. Last year, von der Leyen also went to Paris and met with Macron to jointly meet Chinese leaders.

Previously, former European Commission President Juncker met with Macron and former German Chancellor Merkel to jointly meet Chinese leaders in 2019.

However, according to sources, although France had previously proposed that EU leaders accompany, during Macron's three-day visit to China, which includes two stops, there will be no EU leaders accompanying throughout.

A source from the French presidential palace said: "This visit will proceed strictly as a bilateral visit."

The source added that Macron will "have important talks with Chinese side on the future of Sino-European relations."

"Therefore, the president will independently handle related matters on behalf of France, and will inform European partners including the European Commission President about the talks. The president of the European Commission will not accompany this visit."

After the announcement of Macron's visit to China, German media Table.media published an article titled "Macron to visit China—But Will von der Leyen Accompany?" indicating that this issue has attracted considerable attention, but the article did not "confirm" von der Leyen's absence.

April 3, 2023, Paris, France, von der Leyen and Macron greeted each other. The two leaders then visited China. Visual China

On November 26, the French side released a statement saying that Macron will begin his three-day visit to China on December 3. Macron's last visit to China was in April 2023.

According to the statement, during this visit, Macron will stay in Beijing and Chengdu for two stops and meet with Chinese leaders.

The statement said: "This visit will discuss major issues in the strategic partnership between France and China, as well as several major international affairs and cooperation areas, aiming to address global challenges of our era."

The statement also said that Macron will "promote a cooperative and balanced economic and trade agenda," which will be the core ambition of France's presidency of the G7 in 2026.

Bloomberg previously cited reports that Macron is considering a "bold move," inviting the Chinese leader to attend the G7 summit in Evian, France in 2026. The report stated that within France, Macron's government is struggling, and his remaining main leverage is playing an important political role on the world stage.

In an interview published on October 28, Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li told the South China Morning Post that Macron's visit to China "has no major obstacles," and both sides are coordinating the appropriate time.

Deng Li stated that Europe should not only have a strong influence in economic and cultural fields, but also become an important political force in maintaining world peace and stability. And France, as the country with the most independent and autonomous tradition in the EU, should play a leading role in guiding Europe to achieve this goal.

This article is an exclusive publication by Observers Network. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7577563609119654434/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude through the [Up/Down] buttons below.