Von Der Leyen and Macron to Meet in Paris before China: To Discuss Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet French President Emmanuel Macron for lunch on Monday ahead of a joint visit to China.
According to Eric Mamer, European Commission spokesperson, the two leaders are going to discuss topical issues including Russia’s war on Ukraine, energy and preparations for their trips to China including their joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tomorrow President @vonderleyen will meet President @EmmanuelMacron in Paris for a working lunch.
— Eric Mamer (@MamerEric) April 2, 2023
They will discuss topical issues including Russia’s war on Ukraine, energy and preparations for their trips to China including their joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ahead of her visit to China, von der Leyen delivered a sober assessment of Chinese policies, saying China was becoming more repressive at home and more assertive abroad.
She announced replacing an era of reform and opening with one of security and control, where companies in China were required to assist state intelligence-gathering operations.
The head of the European Commission also noted that China's role in the war in Ukraine will be important for relations with the EU (Ukr).
The French side believes that, given its close ties with Russia, China might be one of the few countries that can change the game rules in the context of Ukraine's war.