Xi Jinping’s Two-Day State Visit to Paris Amidst Tensions and Trade Disputes: A Personal Touch at the Col du Tourmalet Ski Resort

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Paris for a two-day state visit starting on Monday. The trip comes amidst international tensions in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as economic issues resulting from the trade war between Beijing and Europe. The visit underscores the importance of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations established by General de Gaulle.

President Emmanuel Macron has added a personal touch to the formalities of the visit, inviting Xi and his wife Brigitte to lunch at the iconic Col du Tourmalet and La Mongie ski resort on Tuesday. The setting holds special significance as it is located on the Pyrenean lands of Macron’s childhood and will be hosted by an innkeeper friend of the French President. This so-called “mirror effect” reflects the previous meeting between Macron and Xi in China, although it remains uncertain whether this informal setting will ease ongoing tensions in their dialogue.

Xi’s visit is closely watched due to the sensitive political and economic climate between China and Europe. Personal elements injected into the formal state visit reflect efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties in the face of complex international challenges and trade disputes. The outcome of this high-profile visit could have far-reaching implications for future relations between China and France.