CHINA PRESS: Macron Visit Prioritises Economic Relationship - Yicai

French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to China shows France's commitment to economic and trade cooperation, according to Yicai. Macron, who was accompanied by a high-level business delegation, said he did not believe a decoupling from China was underway, in a speech made at the French embassy in Beijing. Experts said scope exists for closer economic ties in automotive, new energy vehicles, batteries and nuclear power. In particular, Europe may welcome Chinese investment in its battery industry. Countries may want to de-risk and prioritise security, but room for coopreration remains. According to the General Administration of Customs, imports from France increased by 12.2% y/y in the first two months of the year.