Macron Hosts Xi as China Trade Tensions Loom Large

Welcome to the Brussels Edition, Bloomberg’s daily briefing on what matters most in the heart of the European Union.

Trade tensions will be front and center during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day state visit to France starting today. A series of EU probes is underway into Beijing’s alleged market-distorting practices, while a Chinese anti-dumping investigation is targeting some European liquor products. The challenge for Emmanuel Macron is to defend French industries while enticing more Chinese investment. Macron is betting on a charm offensive, inviting Xi to a mountain in southern France where he spent holidays as a child, even planning to serve his guest the same Cognac that China is threatening to restrict. Xi’s trip to Europe will also include stops in Serbia and Hungary, where he — and his cash — will be warmly welcomed. Read our deep dive on China’s $20 billion plan to split the EU.