Global Diplomacy: China-France Pledge Cooperation; Russia-India Expand Trade

Manama: Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to deepen cooperation on global issues, meeting in Chengdu and Beijing to discuss Ukraine, trade, and more. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his India visit, focusing on energy, trade, and tourism.

China and France Strengthen Ties Amid Global Uncertainty

Xi and Macron met in China, calling for cooperation on global issues like Ukraine and trade. Macron urged China to help pressure Russia towards a Ukraine ceasefire, while Xi supported peace efforts. The two nations signed agreements on population ageing, nuclear energy, and trade.

Putin's India Visit Focuses on Energy, Trade

Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing Ukraine, military ties, and economic cooperation. India and Russia signed an MoU on port and shipping cooperation, aiming to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030. Putin announced continued fuel shipments to India, despite US pressure.

China's alleged backing of Russia's Ukraine efforts has strained Europe-China relations. Beijing's initial neutrality claim is questioned after Foreign Minister Wang Yi's 'no defeat for Russia' statement and Moscow visit. France's trade deficit with China and failed unified EU negotiations add to tensions. Macron's China visit includes a 35-member French business delegation seeking deals in aerospace, energy, and food.

Macron's visit includes rare opportunities, such as a trip to Chengdu with Xi Jinping. Despite tensions between Europe and China, Macron is bringing a delegation of top French business executives to secure deals in sectors like aerospace, energy, and food. Putin's visit to India comes as the country continues to buy Russian oil and gas, despite Europe's opposition.

India's Russia oil imports rose from 2% to 50% post-Ukraine war, now under 30% due to US sanctions. Russia remains India's key military supplier, though sales decline as India diversifies.

Putin and Macron's visits may yield symbolic gestures rather than breakthroughs, highlighting Europe's waning Asian influence. Both visits highlight Europe's efforts to strengthen global positions. Experts suggest that both Macron and Putin are unlikely to achieve major breakthroughs, as European influence on Asia is limited.