French President Emmanuel Macron to visit China on 5th April

European Commission President Ursula con Der Leyden to accompany Emmanuel

According to the European Commission, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron for a working lunch on Tuesday, as the two prepare for a joint journey to China later this week.

The two leaders will address problems such as Russia's war on Ukraine, the energy sector, and preparations for their trips to China, including a joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Commission chief spokesperson Eric Mamer in a tweet on Monday.

Ahead of her visit to China, Von der Leyen delivered a sober assessment of Chinese policies with Macron this week. She said China was becoming more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, replacing an era of reform and opening with one of security and control, with companies in China required to assist state intelligence-gathering operations.

On the other hand the French president is attempting to keep his busy diplomatic agenda on track after his decision to ram controversial pension legislation through parliament earlier this month sparked clashes and violence in French towns.

The burning protest is Paris has also forced the country to cancel the foreign visit of King Charles which has been considered an embarrassment by many owing to the fact that it is the British monarch’s first visit abroad.