Macron to Visit China on 5 April

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit China during 5-7 April, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Monday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with Macron for a working lunch on Tuesday, as the two prepare for a joint trip to China later this week.

In a tweet, Commission chief spokesperson Eric Mamer revealed that the two leaders will discuss issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the energy sector, and preparations for their trips to China, including their joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The French leader’s visit comes after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made separate trips to China to meet with Xi.

Washington took a hawkish stance on relations with China, as the two parties clash over trade, technology, and more. However, France has no intention to de-couple China.