Macron's China Charm Offensive Amidst Political Turmoil.

French President Emmanuel Macron is embarking on a three-day diplomatic mission to China to persuade President Xi Jinping to play a mediation role over the war in Ukraine and dissuade him from getting closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, there are doubts about what leverage Macron has, and the trip comes amid geopolitical tensions between China and the US. While expectations in France of a breakthrough are moderate, the view among other Western officials is even bleaker.