Macron and French foreign policy are generally in alignment with key attributes that are of importance to China geostrategic positioning. These characteritics may be seen as an embracement to relative geopolitical stability, a natural proclivity towards US-scepticism, a possibility on a wide spray over EU reforms and, a presumption on a greater - and better - emphasis on national interests as opposed to ‘ideology’ relative to other major western countries.
On another perceptive, the appeal to China’s international relations experts is its potential role in helping prevent a further “Americanisation” of the EU’s China policy and the consolidation of a US-led bloc of countries aimed at stymying China’s economic and geopolitical rise.
In short, strategic autonomy à la française is what China wants for Europe - summarised as follows:
The EU is shifting from a “German-French” to a “Franco-German” axis.
However, France and Macron are still not strong enough – either politically or economically – to take over the reins of the EU fully.
Economic ties with Paris have been strengthening just as certain disagreements have been rising.
France has continued to support Beijing’s One China Principle whilst voicing more concern over the state of cross-Strait relations.
Macron’s stance towards China is constrained by China-sceptic voices both at home and in the EU. France’s policy towards the PRC has therefore become much more a matter of compromise, to the detriment of Beijing.
The US continues to be the most important factor impacting French foreign policy. France is described as “trying” but currently “unable” to rid itself of this influence.
The “two-sided” or “two-faced” nature of Paris’s relationship with Beijing is therefore expected to continue as is France’s attempts to reduce the dependence of its supply chains on China
There is still plenty of room for Paris and Beijing to strengthen economic ties and cooperation in various fields. China's support is essential, the authors argue, if France wants to continue exercising its soft power in global affairs.
An extended discussion to follow in a subsequent blog; meanwhile,