The dinner between Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping was a glamorous affair, with cognac taking center stage in symbolizing the fluctuating relationship between France and China. Business leaders like Bernard Arnault and Carlos Tavares, along with celebrities such as Sophie Marceau, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Salma Hayek, gathered at the Elysée Palace for a state dinner hosted by Macron in honor of Xi Jinping.
Subscribers only France and China share 60 years of tumultuous and unbalanced diplomatic relations
During the event, Xi Jinping assured Macron that Beijing would not impose high taxes on cognacs for the time being. The evening included toasts, a luxurious meal, and discussions on pressing issues, aiming to bridge differences and strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Following a day of engagements, including a call for an “Olympic truce,” Macron and Xi tried to navigate the turmoil caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their joint appeal for peace during the upcoming Olympic Games reflected their commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution.
Profound differences
Despite their united front, significant disparities in their stance on the Russian conflict emerged. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of negotiation, urging restraint in military support for Ukraine. This highlighted the power dynamics shifting in Europe due to the invasion, giving China a unique role in the security landscape.
Subscribers only Ukraine and trade tensions to dominate Xi’s France visit
While the “Olympic truce” proposal aimed to halt hostilities during the Games, geopolitical realities threatened its implementation. Moscow’s rejection and Kyiv’s cautious approach underscored the complexities of achieving peace in the region.
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