Navigating the Complexities of China: Perspectives from the G-7 and Beyond

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent trip to China drew criticism from Western allies, but was celebrated by his hosts. Macron's comments suggesting Europe should focus on "strategic autonomy" independent from the US and China drew backlash and raised concerns of division between the US and its allies. However, they were celebrated in China as a signal of a "dead end" for the US strategy of luring Europe to contain China. The status of Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy that Beijing claims as its territory, is the biggest flashpoint in US-China relations.