Building bridges between China and France 🇫🇷 🇨🇳 | Inside Story

It is being described as a new stage in French diplomacy as well as potential trade deals being signed. President Emmanuel Macron is on his first official visit to China.

Economic issues are the focus of the three day trip.

And climate change is a key topic for cooperation between both countries, after President Donald Trump announced that the US is pulling out of the Paris climate change accord.

Macron is backing President Xi' Jinping's new 'silk road' project.

The 'One Belt, One Road' initiative aims to extend China's reach across Asia and beyond, by using a network of new railways, ports and other infrastructure.

And Macron wants to strengthen the French partnership with China, particularly in Africa.

Macron says France has 'the experience of unilateral imperialism in Africa' and wants to help China avoid what he calls France's African mistakes.

So, what does the French connection with China mean for both Asia and the world?

Presenter: Laura Kyle

Guests:

Einar Tangen - Economic Affairs Adviser to Chinese government.

Barthelemy Courmont - Director of Research, French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs.

Graham Ong-Webb - Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

[jameswinterfield]

hw about 5% percent off trade tariffs on motobecane bikes in china for export ..

[abdullahhakan]

All French dominions including economically defeated Celisia, Kilikya (rents in Kahramanmaras 3+1 apartmens per month is only 70 euros -150 euros per month with all of the Maras workers work for 300 euros per month) are abiding France's prayings and orders in our daily lives to exalt France and French people. Egalite, Fraternite, Liberte for all of us.

[lisaneo]

As a Singaporean, I'm ashamed by the tone taken by Graham that reflects condescendence or bias that I least expect when he is from Asia AND representing Singapore. The other speakers were more neutral in comparison. Singapore, we shld not take sides. The Western style of democracy is failing in many ways (no offence) as much as it had served its role in modern history. China just operate differently, and we shld respect its sovereign rights, as we shld embrace that of any nations. China is a sleeping giant, trying to reclaim its place in the world stage. We should be open-minded (not ignorant), realistic, recognise and respect this rising power. Esp for small player like Singapore, I feel we MUST be careful not to project as bias and be sensitive. Open collaboration, cooperation, negotiation in respectable, equal terms is paramount importance.

[gaohang]

Any opinions is always welcomed.But it is true that France and Macron is facing a great opportunity that formally join in the BRI before Germany with political chaos so that gain additional interests from China and hold the advantage position in China and EU cooperation.

[wallylee]

The host seemed quite ignorant about China's accomplishments for the poor countries around the world.

[angelchung]

Share/public in the USA w/Thanks! 10/26/2021

[seenhi]

Some of the words balbal have been 30 years, It's still going on, and.... the development of China is still continuing.

[paulbaskerville]

France backs dictators china backs dictators . china has mega protects that a lot of country's in Africa cant afford and the lose control of there resources or assets . a good gravel road is easier to maintain and costs way less. good used traines are availbul

[aiquocnguyen]

Chinese economy’s slowing down, but new construction’d reverse.

[nahouledeb]

Two millenium countries making History (again).

[thndrngest]

this anchor is very obnoxious with negative-intended questions.

[zbudda]

Only the left hand shake for Macron...

[gudgud]

Typical Brexit-Brit view of the world from a "small world" "Englander" anchor. Anchor's like this block rather than advance Al Jazeera's reputation.

[funghettodrs]

Macron vas a la maison!! Macron va a casa!!

[hengzi-cartoon]

Wow! Macron is so young ! Looks like 15 years old! 法国总统好年轻啊！看起来像个娃娃！

[moymoyish]

France will not talk about human rights anymore. Well, France is not France I know anymore. S