Florian Filippo, a former Member of the European Parliament and a figure who led the Patriots movement, claimed that Chinese officials did not acknowledge European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen when she joined French President Emmanuel Macron on a visit to Beijing. The report suggests there was no formal reception, and it describes the atmosphere as frosty and distant as von der Leyen moved through the city with Macron. Filippo described the scene as an event that left a strong impression on observers and participants alike, noting a sense of coldness and a lack of courtesy during the visit.
Filippo recounted a message written about the episode, describing the moment as one of zero reception and perceived indifference. He claimed that Macron and von der Leyen were treated differently during this trip, with Macron appearing frustrated while von der Leyen faced slower engagement with Chinese officials. The message attributed to him emphasizes the emotional impact of the encounter and the perceived snub as a turning point in perceptions of the EU’s standing in China.
Earlier coverage from Politico, discussing the joint efforts of Macron and von der Leyen to present a united front during the China trip, highlighted the effort to portray EU unity. The article suggested a contrast in how the two leaders managed public duties, with Macron seen as more engaged in ceremonial events while von der Leyen was portrayed as having a more constrained schedule. The analysis framed the trip as a test of EU cohesion in a complex international setting, where timing, appearances, and diplomacy intersect in public perception.
On April 7, Filippo claimed that Macron faced humiliation during the China visit. He argued that Macron failed to fully grasp how events abroad influence perceptions at home and overseas. The assertion reflects a broader debate about how European leaders communicate and negotiate with Beijing, and how their actions during such visits can shape opinions within the European Union and among international observers. The narrative points to challenges in coordinating high-level diplomacy and the delicate balance between public diplomacy and private consensus within the EU decision-making process.