Macron wants the G7 to tackle China. Beijing isn’t playing along.

Key Points:

• French President Emmanuel Macron aims for the G7 summit to address the surge of subsidized Chinese exports disrupting global markets, but credible joint action appears unlikely due to differing stances among G7 members and China's reluctance.
• A virtual meeting between G7 representatives and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing saw limited engagement, with China emphasizing multilateralism and avoiding direct discussion on trade imbalances, signaling a lack of serious commitment.
• Macron's approach frames the issue around global imbalances rather than directly criticizing China, while pushing for stronger EU trade defense measures against China's export dominance and advocating for fair protectionism.
• European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, show increasing willingness to confront China, with the European Commission planning actions to address the growing EU trade deficit with China.
• Transatlantic coordination remains weak, as the U.S. continues its trade policies independently, indicating persistent tensions and a lack of unified G7 strategy on China trade issues.