Macron Visit Highlights Europe's Strategic Dilemma with China

President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Beijing underscores a difficult economic and geopolitical position for Europe, according to a leading analyst. Alicia García Herrero, an economist and senior fellow at the Bruegel Institute, warns that the European Union faces significant challenges. The EU's trade deficit with China is expected to hit €400 billion this year and is unlikely to shrink. "Beijing has little incentive to adjust the imbalance and holds significantly greater leverage," says García Herrero, an expert on Asian economic affairs. She notes that Europe remains vulnerable in critical mineral supply chains and must cooperate with allies like Japan to strengthen its position. The analyst suggests China's main interest is securing French influence for its own strategic goals. These include issues related to Taiwan and shaping the post-World War II international order.