French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is advocating for a strengthened Franco-Chinese partnership as a response to what he perceives as geopolitical instability stemming from the return of an “America First” policy under the Trump administration, Al Jazeera reports.
Barrot made the call during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, where discussions focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and trade disputes between China and Europe.
“More than ever, the current context requires a powerful Franco-Chinese partnership in the service of geopolitical stability, prosperity and the future of our planet,” Barrot stated in a speech to students at the Beijing Language and Culture University.
The push for closer ties comes as tensions between the United States and the European Union are escalating on multiple fronts, including disagreements over support for Ukraine, security commitments, and trade policies. The revival of a Trump-led administration has fueled anxieties in Europe, particularly following the former president’s unilateral engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his declaration that Washington would not automatically guarantee European security.
Adding to the friction, President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on automobiles, a move widely expected to negatively impact European car manufacturers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the tariffs as “bad for businesses” and “worse for consumers.”
During the meetings in Beijing, Paris emphasized the need for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and a de-escalation of trade tensions between China and the EU. Recent months have seen a tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs, with China imposing levies on European brandy imports after the EU voted to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This has significantly impacted French cognac brands, with exports declining by nearly a quarter last year.
While Wang Yi described the meeting as “constructive,” focusing on bilateral and China-EU relations, he notably skirted the specific trade disputes. Barrot, however, underscored the importance of finding a solution and reiterated France’s opposition to a trade war. He emphasized the need for dialogue, particularly between the European Union and China, and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to defending its cognac industry.
Following the meetings in Beijing, Barrot will travel to Shanghai on Friday for discussions with local officials and business leaders, further solidifying France’s commitment to fostering closer ties with China in a rapidly changing global landscape.
