Emmanuel Macron, the French president, believes in the power of personal connections in diplomacy. He invited President Xi Jinping of China to a 7,000-foot pass in the Pyrenees to showcase the breathtaking views of his childhood. However, they were met with dense fog and wild snow flurries instead.
Despite the challenging journey up the mountain in torrential rain, enthusiastic Chinese admirers lined the way with red flags and pennants, showcasing their unwavering support.
Mr. Macron, though two hours late, warmly welcomed Mr. Xi at a local restaurant called L’Étape du Berger, where traditional dancers entertained the guests. While Mr. Xi remained stoic, his wife, Peng Liyuan, showed her appreciation with a broad smile and applause.
In a gesture of friendship, Mr. Macron addressed Mr. Xi informally and presented him with a yellow jersey signed by a Tour de France winner, acknowledging the Chinese leader’s love for sports.
The Col du Tourmalet, where they met, holds significance in the Tour de France and in Mr. Macron’s personal history. The lunch, prepared by chef Eric Abédie, featured local delicacies that impressed Mr. Xi, promising to promote them in China.
While the meeting was festive and intimate, the outcome remains uncertain. Mr. Macron’s charm offensive has not always yielded results in previous diplomatic encounters.
French officials, speaking anonymously, highlighted the unique bond between Mr. Macron and Mr. Xi, emphasizing the importance of their relationship in international affairs.
Their joint statement on the Middle East reflects their shared commitment to combating terrorism, showcasing a united front on global issues.
2024-05-08 02:53:00
Link from www.nytimes.com