In the upcoming European Union elections, French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann is the main candidate for the largest center-left party in France, the Socialist Party. He urges French President Macron to “firmly” oppose the Chinese Communist Party and not remain silent in the face of crimes against the Uighurs.
On Monday morning, during an interview with Radio France Internationale, Glucksmann criticized Macron for rolling out the red carpet for CCP leader Xi Jinping, calling it a mistake. He also publicly addressed Macron on how to handle the CCP issue.
Glucksmann believes that Macron should not have created a friendly atmosphere for Xi during his visit, stating, “Xi Jinping is not our friend.” He referred to Xi as a “dictator” and highlighted the CCP’s violations of human rights, including the expulsion of Uighurs, suppression of Tibetans and Hong Kong residents, crackdown on dissidents, and threats to Taiwan.
According to Glucksmann, the CCP is a major supporter of the war in Ukraine. He argues that without China’s assistance, Russia would not be able to sustain the conflict. He believes the China-Russia alliance aims to fundamentally alter the international order and weaken democratic nations.
Furthermore, Glucksmann pointed out that the CCP is stifling France’s green technology sector by bankrupting solar panel companies with low-cost alternatives.
He stated, “China’s strategy is to destroy strategic production in Europe and France. We used to have champions in France and Europe in solar panel production. How many companies in France now produce solar panels? Only one remains.”
Glucksmann highlighted the case of Canada imposing over 200% tariffs when trade with China became distorted, contrasting it with the mere 15% tariffs levied in Europe. He criticized this as insufficient deterrence.
Under the leadership of the 44-year-old political commentator, Glucksmann, the traditional left-wing in France is conducting an energetic campaign for the upcoming European elections next month. He aims to motivate supporters through unabashed pro-Europe and pro-Ukraine messages.
It is predicted that Glucksmann’s candidacy could push President Macron’s alliance down to third place.
Glucksmann criticized Macron and his government as “spineless leaders” and “sleepwalkers,” asserting, “We are different from the president and his allies; we will not change our discourse based on the audience.”
As the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference in EU Democratic Processes (INGE), Glucksmann has been outspoken on issues of human rights and democracy concerning the CCP. In March 2021, he faced sanctions from the CCP for his long-standing focus on Uighur human rights issues, which included banning him and his family from entering China and engaging with CCP institutions. In November of the same year, Glucksmann led an official delegation from the European Parliament to visit Taiwan, becoming the first European Parliament official delegation to do so.
During the trilateral meeting between France, China, and the EU on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Xi Jinping that the EU will “unwaveringly” protect industries and employment. The EU reiterated its readiness to engage in a trade war with China on the issues of cheap electric cars, steel, and imports of low-cost solar and wind energy technologies.
Xi’s visit to France marked the beginning of his five-day European tour, taking place amidst the most tense period in Sino-European relations in decades.
The tensions between China and Europe are not only escalating due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict but also because of the EU’s protests against China’s dumping of goods and unfair trade practices. In the past few weeks alone, the EU launched trade investigations into China’s exports of wind turbine generators and medical equipment.
Although countries may still maintain formalities during Xi’s visit, the entire European continent’s perception of the CCP has undergone significant changes. CNN commentary suggests that when Xi returns to Europe in five years, he will face a markedly different climate.