Xi wants to use Macron to prevent Euro-US rapprochement - Analysts

This opinion was expressed to Reuters by analysts.

The media outlet notes that Xi Jinping and Macron met on April 7 for a cup of tea at the former residence of the Chinese leader's father in Guangzhou. It was an informal meeting of politicians after official talks on April 6.

"All Chinese foreign policy offensives have the U.S.-China relationship in the background...so to work with any country, especially mid or big powers, like France, is something they'll try to do to counter the U.S," said Zhao Suisheng, a professor of Chinese studies and foreign policy at the University of Denver.

Noah Barkin, an analyst at Rhodium Group, said that China's main goal is to prevent Europe from getting closer to the United States.

"In this sense, Macron is perhaps Beijing's most important partner in Europe," he said.

The publication notes that Xi did not pay such attention to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was with Macron in Beijing. She was not invited to some of the events during the visit, only Macron was there.

• At a meeting with Macron on April 6 in Beijing, Xi Jinping called for the start of peace talks on Ukraine as soon as possible.

• Xi also said he would call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when the time comes.