Editorial | China-France ties remain in safe hands

Macron’s re-election will be especially comforting for Beijing as the countries’ two leaders have established a smooth working relationship

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French President Emmanuel Macron’s supporters gathered in front of the Eiffel Tower to celebrate winning his second term. Photo: SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Published: 5:00am, 26 Apr 2022

Emmanuel Macron’s re-election to a second term as France’s president gives much-needed certainty to foreign relations in turbulent times. His middling political views and growing international stature were appreciated by the millions who handed him about 58 per cent of the vote rather than turning to the far-right extremism of Marine le Pen, his opponent.

It is an especially comforting development for China, a smooth working relationship having been built over the past five years with his counterpart, Xi Jinping. There are differences in opinion and outlook, but the returned leader’s striving for understanding and trust and better bilateral ties ensures Beijing has important support in Europe and the West.

Macron is the first French president to win a second term in 20 years. While his stand on domestic issues including pension reform and raising the retirement age and his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic helped his victory, his foreign policies were also a factor.

Although his efforts to broker a peace deal over Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin were fruitless, his being able to talk frankly buoyed his global stature. He is also seen as being capable of giving France a leadership role in Europe and pushing views of autonomy for the region in economic and military matters, helped by France holding until June the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

That is cause for Chinese optimism. American President Joe Biden is trying to isolate China and Russia to regain lost influence and has been pressuring allies to choose sides. But Macron knows the value of even relations with Beijing and Xi highlighted that in his congratulatory message, pointing to a deepening of practical cooperation, combating the coronavirus, upholding multilateralism and improving global governance.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | China-France ties remain in safe hands

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Macron’s re-election will be especially comforting for Beijing as the countries’ two leaders have established a smooth working relationship

Editorial | China-France ties remain in safe hands

Macron’s re-election will be especially comforting for Beijing as the countries’ two leaders have established a smooth working relationship