The political scientist called the difficulties in relations between France and China

Political scientist Timofeev: trade with Beijing is important for Paris

Fri, 12/05/2025 - 01:07

Photo: Global Look Press/Zhang Ailin

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Pavel Timofeev, Head of the Regional Problems and Conflicts Sector at the IMEMO of the Russian Academy of Sciences, noted in an interview with Izvestia that France's relations with China remain difficult.

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"On the one hand, trade is very important for France, since China is its fifth trading partner and the third trading partner of the EU, so France does not want to follow the United States in their trade war with China," the political scientist believes.

The expert added that, on the other hand, France sees China as a political rival with an alien ideology and seeks to get rid of dependence on China in terms of technology and resources.

"Finally, France and China have different views on the Ukrainian conflict, and France's attempts to use China to put pressure on Russia have failed. So, I think they can agree on new contracts and supplies in terms of trade, but politically I don't expect any special breakthroughs," the expert concluded.

On December 3, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in China for a three-day visit. Paris and Beijing are trying to overcome differences in their views on the principles of international politics and trade. The main goal of the French leader, who once again hosted the President of Ukraine at the Elysee Palace the day before, is to convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to put pressure on Russia. At the same time, the politician tries to do this carefully, so as not to spoil economic relations with Beijing, which are important for the entire EU.