The French president, accompanied by the first lady, arrives Monday night in China where he will stay until Wednesday. A second visit during which trade and culture will be on the program.
During this state visit, which Emmanuel Macron has pledged to carry out every year, the president will visit the Shanghai Import Fair, a major trade event of which France is one of the "guests of honor "with 70 tricolor companies registered.
A fair to show that China is open to imports
In short, a show to show that China is open to imports while this fair is held against the backdrop of a trade war between Beijing and Washington, which Europe wants to avoid paying the price. And it does not matter if the event is a communication operation: "If it is to demonstrate the opening of China, let's demonstrate it," says a presidential adviser, contacted by Europe 1.
The occasion also for Emmanuel Macron to boast French products, especially agribusiness. "We expect about forty contracts," says the Elysee, in traditional sectors of the French-Chinese relationship (agri-food, tourism, health, etc.).
Inauguration of the Pompidou Center in Shanghai
On Tuesday, the French president also inaugurates the Pompidou Center West Bund Museum Project, the first antenna of the famous Parisian museum to set up outside Europe. Works loaned by Beaubourg will be exhibited in this cultural institution with an area of 2,100 m2.
Emmanuel Macron will also have lunch with Chinese artists, and will be accompanied by the actor Guillaume Canet, who will realize the next film of the adventures of Asterix, Asterix & Obelix, the Middle Kingdom , in which the famous Gaulois will rub shoulders with Chinese culture.
"No taboo"
On Wednesday, Xi Jinping will receive the French head of state in Beijing for more formal talks - the sixth meeting in nearly three years - including pushing for a "Euro-Chinese agenda" for climate and biodiversity. They should also discuss international crises, such as the Iranian nuclear, a few days before the expiration on November 4 of Tehran's ultimatum to its partners in the agreement to help it bypass US sanctions.
As for human rights, "no taboo" ensures the Elysée. However, during his first visit to China, Emmanuel Macron was very discreet on this very sensitive subject.