Macron Secretly Holds 'Ukraine Peace Talks' with China

Macron Orders China-Ukraine Negotiation Setup
Conditions May Change Based on Spring Offensive Results
France Pursues Pro-China Policy for Diplomatic and Economic Gains
EU Member States Criticize Macron's Actions

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly conducting secret negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. European Union (EU) member states have criticized President Macron's pro-China stance, saying it could negatively impact the Ukraine war and undermine European unity.

According to Bloomberg on the 19th (local time), President Macron instructed Emmanuel Bonne, France's foreign policy advisor, to establish a foundation for peace negotiations to end the Ukraine war through cooperation with Wang Yi, a member of the Communist Party Central Political Bureau of China. A French presidential office official explained, "If the schedule proceeds as expected, a peace talk between Russia and Ukraine could be held this summer," adding that the conditions for the talks could change depending on the outcome of Ukraine's spring offensive. It is also known that France's allied countries have been informed of this plan.

French President Emmanuel Macron (left), who is on a state visit, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the signing ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Ukrainian side showed caution regarding the peace talks planned by France and China. Mykhailo Podolyak, spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidential office, said about the news of the two countries preparing for peace talks, "Any peace talk plan can be proposed, but the core point of the content is the withdrawal of Russian troops," emphasizing, "If it means maintaining the current status of the territories occupied by Russia, no compromise can be expected."

Macron's recent efforts to reopen diplomatic channels with China are analyzed as an attempt to achieve diplomatic success and economic benefits to divert public dissatisfaction over France's forced pension reform. Recently, as President Macron pushed through a pension reform bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, protests have erupted across France.

Moreover, after the severe economic impact on the EU market following COVID-19, France is in desperate need of the Chinese market. Last year, China accounted for 10% of the EU's export volume, second only to the United States (22%). For imports, China surpassed the U.S. with 23% compared to 13%. China also targeted France's economic interests by deciding to purchase 160 Airbus aircraft from France, coinciding with President Macron's visit to China.

EU member states view France's pro-China deviation with disapproval. On the 13th, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki seemingly targeted President Macron's remarks advocating for Europe to pursue an independent strategy regarding Taiwan, criticizing, "Seeking deeper ties with China is a historical mistake," and adding, "You cannot say Taiwan is not your business and still protect Ukraine." He continued, "Doesn't the word European autonomy sound nice?" but said, "It means shifting Europe's center of gravity to China and cutting ties with the United States," indirectly criticizing France.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also pointed out the division in the West's anti-China stance and urged EU countries to firmly reestablish relations with China. In her speech at the European Parliament plenary session on the 18th, she emphasized, "The EU's 'One China' policy remains unchanged," adding, "We have consistently demanded peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and especially strongly oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo by force."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.