"Europe-China Relations at Crossroads Amid High-Level Meetings"

French President Emmanuel Macron and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen are in Beijing for a series of meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, that could set a course for the bloc's future relations with China after years of strained ties. Trade and Ukraine are high on the agenda, with both Macron and von der Leyen hoping to persuade China to use its influence over Russia to bring peace in Ukraine. Despite tensions, China is eager to ensure Europe does not follow what it sees as U.S.-led efforts to contain its rise.