"EU and French leaders seek China's help in resolving Ukraine conflict during visit"

Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron will present a united European front during their visit to China, despite differing plans while on the ground. Von der Leyen will conduct her own meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and meet with the EU Chamber of Commerce. The EU has been forced to take a tougher stance on China due to Beijing's sharpening rhetoric, economic retaliation against EU members, and concerns about China warming to Russia. Von der Leyen's inclusion in this week's trip is a signal of shifting alliances, and the trip could be a defining moment for her presidency.