In Paris, commentators are discussing about the order of arrival of candidate lists to the European elections. In Brussels, it is questioned about how the institutions will function with the fragmentation of the political forces which are assigned to have seats; But in Beijing as in Washington, they are thinking about the next possible steps in the rising tensions between the two countries. The communication mode of their leaders is reflecting their cultural differences. The American president is alternating avenging tweets denouncing Chinese Authorities attitude with conciliatory remarks explaining that, at the end, they will find a good agreement. Following ...

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President Xi Jinping arrives in France Sunday. He is achieving a trip in Europe at a tense time due to Brexit uncertainties and to the trade negotiations with the U.S. It is his second visit, after the lavish reception given by François Hollande in 2014 at Versailles palace. His predecessor, President Hu Jintao came in 2004 and 2009. Each time reference is made to 1964, when France officially recognized of China. But that historical decision was harmed by the gaffe made by the French ambassador when he mentioned in that circumstance “France comes back into Asia”. Beijing didn ...

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China is still the object of critical analysis and pessimistic forecasts. The country is used as an excuse, if not an alibi, about the slowing of the world growth. But its last results are not confirming these negative judgments. If 2018 growth rate has been very slightly weaker than during 2017, it is still inside, with 6.6%, the objective determined by the government, i.e. between 6.5 and 7%. It is possible to say that it is the weakest number for a long period but that doesn’t make sense. The size of the Chinese economy is two ...

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