Wang Huiyao

Opinion | How Macron’s return as French president could be a win for both the EU and China

Macron has been championing ‘strategic autonomy’ for the European Union at a time when the need for the EU to come into its own as an independent force for peace and international cooperation is greater than ever

His stance on China seems to be pragmatic and pro-business, recognising the possibility of working closely with Beijing on shared interests, despite competition in some areas

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Wang Huiyao

Published: 8:15am, 28 Apr 2022

On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron beat Marine Le Pen to become the first French president since Charles de Gaulle to win re-election while holding a majority in parliament. Macron’s victory confirms his place as the leading voice in the European Union after Angela Merkel’s retirement as German chancellor in December.

In his second term, the French president will play a pivotal role in shaping foreign policy at a critical juncture for the European Union. Ukraine will no doubt dominate the agenda for some time, but how the EU recalibrates ties with Beijing and navigates the increasingly tense and complex US-China relationship remains a crucial question.

Macron’s re-election is positive for the outlook on China-EU relations. Like many European politicians, his views on China have hardened in recent times. Fundamentally, though, he appears to share Merkel’s pragmatic, pro-business stance and wants the EU to work more closely with China on shared interests, even as the two sides compete in other areas.

The outcome is preferable to a Le Pen victory. That would have cast doubt over France’s role in Europe and the whole EU project at a time when the bloc needs a strong leader.

However, Macron will have his work cut out for him when it comes to improving relations with Beijing. Bilateral ties are at a low ebb, as seen in the recent EU-China summit, which failed to produce a joint statement or any specific agreement.

At the same time, European views of security and foreign policy are undergoing a sea change. For 16 years, Merkel was Europe’s leading proponent of stronger ties with China.