France, leading its G7 presidency with a focus on addressing economic imbalances, advocates for a conciliatory strategy in dealings with China. French representatives claim that the EU’s underinvestment, the U.S.’s overconsumption, and China’s overproduction have all contributed to the prevailing issues.
During last month’s G7 finance ministers meeting, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure expressed France’s desire to avoid “finger-pointing” and instead engage constructively with all partners, including China.
Lescure emphasized at a press conference that “global imbalances are unsustainable. They are increasing and persistent. This must change.”
President Emmanuel Macron has consistently sought engagement with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, having visited China multiple times. French diplomats have been working towards securing Chinese involvement in the forthcoming leaders’ summit and initially aimed to hold a “summit of convergences” with China.
In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has moderated his harsh rhetoric toward China after returning optimistic from a Beijing visit regarding the trade relationship between the two largest economies.
The White House was not immediately available for comment on the potential meeting, but Trump has confirmed his attendance at the G7 leaders summit in Evian.
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