“Chinese investments are welcome in France. However, our companies need equal competition conditions in both countries. We agreed that we will work as soon as possible on the issue of cognac, which is essential for our producers,” Macron wrote on social media.
Last week, the French Minister of Economy Eric Lombard raised this issue during a meeting in Paris with Deputy Prime Minister Chin He Lifeng. However, a six -hour discussion did not lead to a solution to the dispute about cognac. He emphasized that the Chinese authorities would make a decision on this matter on the basis of substantive arguments.
The investigation of alcohol is widely seen as retaliation for the fact that France was the main originator of customs duties on Chinese electric cars imposed by the EU in October last year. It is to end in July.
Next week, Macron will visit Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. The official of the Elysee Palace called this journey an opportunity to increase influence in the Indo-Pacific region at a time when “China is becoming more and more assertive, especially in commercial and territorial disputes.”
Macron also undertook to cooperate with China in order to achieve “immediate and unconditional arms suspension” in Ukraine. He also called to work on peace and increase safety in the Middle East. He added that France and China will cooperate on the preparation of the June conference in New York devoted to the solution based on the concept of two countries.
