"Macron Considering Inviting Xi Jinping to Next Year's G7 Summit"

Attempt to Reinforce Presence Amid 'G7 Bypass'
Discussions Held with Germany and Other Allies
Concerns Over Potential Clash with Anti-China Stance

French President Emmanuel Macron is speaking at the Olympic foreign press reception held at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris in 2024. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly considering inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to next year's Group of Seven (G7) summit, which will be held in France. This move is interpreted as an attempt to assert France's presence by bringing China into the fold, amid intensifying US-China rivalry and a growing sense that the G7 is being sidelined.

According to Bloomberg News on the 12th (local time), citing anonymous sources, President Macron is discussing this possibility with some allies, including Germany. Germany is also said to be generally positive about the idea.

The sources stated that these discussions have taken place as President Macron is considering a visit to China next month. However, it remains uncertain whether President Xi will accept the French invitation, and the positions of other G7 member states are also unclear at this point.

A French government official commented on the matter, saying, "We want to work with major emerging countries that are willing to contribute to addressing global imbalances," but avoided giving a direct answer regarding the invitation to President Xi.

While it is not unusual for the G7 host country to invite other world leaders to the summit, these invitations have typically been extended to democratic allies such as Australia.

This initiative appears to stem from concerns that the G7, led primarily by European countries, is losing international influence amid US-China competition.

It also seems that President Macron's personal motivations are at play, as he has recently faced political challenges during France's pension reform efforts. President Macron's final term ends in 2027.

However, since the main agenda items for the G7 include containing China, protecting supply chains, and addressing support for Russia, President Xi's attendance at the summit is expected to heighten tensions. In fact, after meeting in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement publicly condemning China for providing weapons and dual-use components to Russia, labeling it a "war enabler." They also called on North Korea and Iran to halt military support for Russia.

Bloomberg News noted, "The G7 is becoming irrelevant, and the United States snubbed this month's G20," adding, "President Macron is betting that he can redefine this informal gathering (the G7), which currently lacks countries with both significant European influence and a willingness to meet with US President Donald Trump."