On April 3rd, China announced that two European leaders would be visiting China at the same time. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be visiting China from April 5th to 7th. What kind of voices will these European leaders bring to China, and what progress can be expected in the future of EU-China relations? Yangchen Evening News interviewed Herve AZOULAY, former senior executive of Schneider Electric , international consultant for the International Vocational Education Standards(SRVE), and professor at the Silk Road Business School (SRBS) in France.

Herve AZOULAY pointed out that Macron's invitation to von der Leyen to accompany him on his visit to China sends an important signal to China and the world. "This invitation demonstrates that Europe is united and wants to speak with one voice on issues related to its relations with China," said Herve AZOULAY. "It also shows that Europe wants to strengthen its relationship with China while defending its own interests and values. In fact, Europe wants to maintain its trade and economic relationship with China."

"Economic modernization and development of high quality in China are important and necessary steps for China's sustained growth and development," said Herve AZOULAY. "China has made remarkable progress over the past few decades, but as the economy moves towards more advanced directions, it faces new challenges and opportunities. By prioritizing innovation, high-tech industries, and high value-added services, China can continue to develop its economy and become a global leader in these fields."

Herve AZOULAY stated that Macron and von der Leyen's upcoming visit to China is expected to promote EU-China pragmatic cooperation through multiple avenues. It may facilitate dialogue and engagement between China and Europe on common concerns, such as trade, investment, and climate change.

However, collaborations between China and France or China and Europe have been frequently disrupted by external factors in recent years. Regarding this issue, Herve AZOULAY repeatedly mentioned the importance of "understanding" and "respect". He stated that removing barriers could be achieved through high-level visits, cultural and educational exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges. "We should adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and through transparent and inclusive cooperation, strive to strengthen multilateralism and rule-based international order. Both sides can establish a strong and enduring partnership based on mutual benefit and respect," said Herve AZOULAY.

As the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative approaches this year, Herve AZOULAY believes that the initiative has enormous practical significance for countries and businesses along the route. "The Belt and Road Initiative has the potential to bring economic growth and development to many countries in the region, especially those that have traditionally lagged behind in infrastructure and economic development," said Herve AZOULAY. The Belt and Road Initiative, which was launched by China in 2013, aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure development and enhanced economic cooperation.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to China had a wide-ranging agenda, including discussions on trade, investment, climate change, and international security issues. One of the key topics on the table was the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Upholding the principles of international law and respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are of vital importance. Speaking on the issue, Herve AZOULAY emphasized the importance of finding common ground and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "Both sides have a shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the region, and there is potential for consensus on this issue during President Macron's visit to China," he said.

法国丝路商学院教授埃赫维·阿儒勒：马克龙访华有望以多种方式推动中欧务实合作

4月3日，中方宣布了两位欧洲领导人同一时间来访的消息——法国总统马克龙、欧盟委员会主席冯德莱恩将于4月5日至7日访华。此次访华将带来哪些来自欧洲的声音，未来中欧关系将会有怎样的进展？记者采访了前法国施耐德集团高层领导、丝路职业教育国际标准化认证（SRVE）组织国际顾问、法国丝路商学院（SRBS）教授埃赫维·阿儒勒（Herve AZOULAY）。

埃赫维·阿儒勒指出，马克龙邀请冯德莱恩随行访华，向中国和世界发出重要信号。“这一邀请表明，欧洲是团结一致的，在对华关系问题上要统一发声。”埃赫维·阿儒勒说，“这也表明欧洲希望在捍卫自身利益和价值观的同时加强与中国的关系。事实上，欧洲希望与中国保持贸易和经济关系。”

“中国高质量的现代化和发展是中国经济持续增长和发展的重要和必要步骤。”埃赫维·阿儒勒认为，“中国在过去几十年取得了令人瞩目的进步，但随着经济向更先进的方向迈进，它面临着新的挑战和机遇。通过优先发展创新、高科技产业和高附加值服务，中国可以继续发展经济并在这些领域成为世界领导者。”

埃赫维·阿儒勒表示，马克龙和冯德莱恩此次访华，有望以多种方式推动中欧务实合作，或可以促进中欧就贸易、投资、气候变化等共同关心的问题进行对话和接触。

但是，中法、中欧之间的合作近年来常常受到一些来自外部的干扰。对此，埃赫维·阿儒勒反复提及“理解”和“尊重”。他表示，壁垒的消除，可以通过高层互访、文化教育交流和人文交流来实现。埃赫维·阿儒勒说：“我们应当坚持互不干涉内政原则，通过开展透明包容的合作，致力于加强多边主义和以规则为基础的国际秩序。双方可以在互利和尊重的基础上建立一个强大和持久的伙伴关系。”

今年还是“一带一路”倡议提出10周年。埃赫维·阿儒勒认为，“一带一路”倡议对沿线国家和企业的实际意义是巨大的。“‘一带一路’倡议有可能为该地区许多国家带来经济增长和发展，特别是一些在基础设施和经济发展方面历来落后的国家。”

俄乌问题也是马克龙此次访华的一个重要议题。对此，埃赫维·阿儒勒认为，双方很可能会讨论维护国际法、尊重乌克兰主权和领土完整的重要性，并推动通过外交手段和平解决冲突。“双方在促进地区和平与稳定方面有着共同利益，并有可能在马克龙总统访华期间就此问题寻求共识。”

（鸣谢为本文采访提供便利的法国丝路商学院、丝路职业教育标准化认证组织）

文｜羊城晚报全媒体记者 孙唯
稿件英语翻译｜刘佳慧

视频法语翻译｜张嘉茜

编辑｜戚美青

校对 | 马曼婷