Macron Kicks Off China Visit, von Der Leyen Absent

French President Emanuel Mcron is in China. He arrived on Wednesday. Macron is hoping to attract more Chinese investment and secure market access for French exports. France and the European Union run massive trade deficits with China to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. Worth noting Ursula Vander Lion, president of the European Union's executive arm, will not join Macron in China this time. This marks a break from tradition. In fact, on the first day of Macron's trip, the European Commission rolled out a plan to make the block more resilient to threats like China's rare earth export restrictions. Macron is joined by six ministers and 35 business executives from companies like Airbus. Deals are expected to be signed in the areas of energy, food, and aviation. Also top of mind is Russia's war in Ukraine. The French foreign minister says France is counting on China to persuade Russia to end the war. Macron just met with Ukrainian President Zalinski on Monday to discuss ceasefire details. China, on the other hand, wants France's support in its dispute with Japan over Taiwan. Japan's prime minister recently said Tokyo could intervene militarily if China invades Taiwan. Last week, China's top diplomat, Wangi, urged Macron's diplomatic adviser to condemn the Japanese prime minister's quote provocative remarks. During Macron's last visit to China in 2023, he said that European nations should not blindly follow US policy on supporting Taiwan. His remarks sparked widespread controversy at the time. Macron is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi in Beijing on Thursday. The two would also visit China's southwestern city of Chundu. Britain's prime minister and the German chancellor are set to visit China next year.