He probably could not have found a worse time to honor the invitation of Chinese number one Xi Jinping.
The President of the European Council Charles Michel arrives in Beijing to "
defend the interests
" of Europe just after the Chinese authorities called for the "
repression
" of the demonstrations which have shaken the country for several days, and which have for the barely been commented on by Western leaders.
Enough to fuel the criticisms of those who consider this trip
"inappropriate",
and wonder about the room for maneuver as well as the ability of the President of the Council to obtain a change in support from Beijing to Moscow, its sought-after objective, in a such political environment.
An urgent European reflection
The visit takes place in a context of intense discussions between Europeans on how to build a third way in their relations with China, halfway between the angelism that European capitals have long shown and the confrontation now assumed. …
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 78% left to discover.
Freedom has no borders, like your curiosity.
Keep reading your article for €0.99 for the first month
I ENJOY IT
Already subscribed?
Login