On Tuesday, the President of France graciously hosted the leader of China amidst the picturesque setting of a remote mountain pass in the Pyrenees. The visit followed a significant state affair in Paris marked by discussions on trade tensions and the conflict in Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, deliberately chose the Tourmalet Pass near the Spanish border for the meeting, a place close to his heart from childhood visits to his grandmother. This gesture reciprocated Xi Jinping’s hosting of Macron in Guangdong province last year, where Xi’s father once resided.
As snow freshly blanketed the slopes overnight, security measures tightened around the area, with authorities blocking access to the winding roads leading to the pass. Despite foggy weather and brisk winds obscuring the panoramic views, Macron and Xi, accompanied by their wives, Brigitte Macron and Peng Liyuan, enjoyed a visit to a mountain restaurant. Shielded by umbrellas, they observed a traditional folk dance performance on the terrace before indulging in local delicacies like ham and blueberry pie.
During the encounter, Macron presented Xi with symbolic gifts, including a yellow Tour de France jersey representing the iconic climb of the Tourmalet Pass, a locally made woolen blanket, and a bottle of Armagnac.
These mountain rendezvous followed a grand state visit by Xi, featuring ceremonial events at historical sites like Napoleon’s tomb and a lavish state dinner at the Elysee Palace.
As Xi departed France from the Pyrenees amidst military honors, the Elysee Palace highlighted the cordial yet candid dialogue between the leaders, noting Macron’s discussion of human rights issues, including specific cases, with the Chinese President.
Xi’s European tour aims to bolster relations amid global tensions, with his next stops scheduled in Serbia and Hungary. However, the conclusion of his visit to France coincided with developments in Brussels, where authorities were investigating the office of a German far-right lawmaker over suspected espionage activities linked to China.
