France, China Strike Deals in Civilian Nuclear Energy

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Apr 07, 2023

Image copyright: www.euractiv.comstory last updated Apr 07, 2023

The Facts

French Pres. Emmanuel Macron and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, struck multiple cooperation deals, including civilian nuclear and green energy, on Thursday in China.
As China and France aim to achieve carbon neutrality to meet their ambitious climate goals, the two leaders agreed to construct a China-France carbon neutrality center.

The Spin

Narrative A

China plays a significant role in global governance and is a growing influence on developing economies, which is why Europe must not ruin its economic ties with China for Xi Jinping's support to Russia. As France faces an uneven global economic recovery after the pandemic, more cooperation with the PRC could help it gain economic advantages as well as maintain global industrial and supply chain stability.

CGTN

Narrative B

Macron's visit to China is crucial to reviving ties with China in 2023 to prepare for 2024, which will be the year of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. However, it remains to be seen if Macron's powers of persuasion can go beyond firming up a crucial trade partnership and persuade China to urge Russia to end the Ukraine war — in shared responsibility for peace and stability.

Al Jazeera

Narrative C

Xi Jinping's diplomatic engagement with Macron is an attempt to counter the US plans to isolate the PRC by putting Chinese companies on blacklists and export watchlists. Business deals with France are crucial for China to wriggle out of containment by Washington amid differences over Taiwan and the Ukraine war, as well as prevent Europe from aligning more closely with the US economically.