French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna is visiting China on November 23 and 24 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit comes amid rising trade tensions between China and the European Union (EU), particularly over the recent anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) initiated by the EU.
Colonna’s visit is part of a series of recent trips by EU officials aiming to rebalance bilateral relations and enhance cooperation. It follows a phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, during which President Xi urged France to provide a fair economic environment for Chinese enterprises investing in France.
During her two-day visit, Colonna is expected to discuss cultural and scientific cooperation agreements and facilitate visas for Chinese businesspeople. These discussions are seen as positive steps toward improving bilateral relations and addressing broader geopolitical challenges.
Addressing Trade Disputes
The visit is significant against the backdrop of emerging trade disputes between China, the world’s second-largest economy, and the EU, the largest trading bloc globally. France has been a key driving force behind the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs, which began in September. The investigation aims to address concerns over market imbalances and ensure fair competition.
However, China has expressed strong opposition to the probe, labeling it as “blatant protectionism.” There are concerns that such protectionist measures could escalate into a trade war, adversely affecting the global economy.
French Secretary of State for European Affairs Laurence Boon supported the investigation, stating, “We won’t let our market be flooded by over-subsidized EVs that threaten our companies.” Nevertheless, data indicates that Chinese cars exported to Europe are generally sold at nearly double their prices in the Chinese mainland market, suggesting a need for careful consideration of the facts.
Seeking Balance and Cooperation
Colonna’s visit presents an opportunity for France and China to address these tensions through dialogue and cooperation. By engaging in constructive discussions, both nations can work toward balancing trade relations, promoting fair competition, and preventing potential economic conflicts.
Strengthening cultural and scientific ties, as well as facilitating business exchanges, can foster mutual understanding and benefit both economies. As two significant players on the global stage, France and China have the potential to lead efforts in maintaining stable and prosperous international trade relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
