In a highly anticipated state banquet, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to engage in a diplomatic battle at the Elysée Palace. The lavish event, however, fails to overshadow the brewing tensions between these two influential leaders.

Firstly, Xi Jinping, often regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, faces accusations from Western governments of aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin in the conflict in Ukraine. Western powers argue that China supplied crucial technology and equipment to the Russian military.

Secondly, the European Union and China are on the verge of a full-blown trade war. Macron has been urging the EU to take a firm stand against China's flooding of the market with inexpensive electric vehicles. In retaliation, Xi threatens to impose tariffs on cognac, a move that presents a significant threat to both the French president and the country's liquor industry.

Notably, this state visit strays from the usual grandeur, with Macron opting to host Xi at the Elysée instead of the opulent Palace of Versailles. The choice of venue signals a more work-centric summit. Xi's subsequent visits to Serbia and Hungary, both countries with closer ties to Russia, further underline China's message to Europe.

The dynamics between the two leaders have shifted since Macron's state visit to China a year ago when the leaders seemed to develop a close bond. Macron even distanced himself from the US stance on Taiwan, prompting China to interpret it as a sign of anti-American sentiment. However, Macron is now more assertive in addressing China's trade threats and has become a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.

France has been pressuring the EU to take a tougher stance against China's dominance in green technology, particularly electric cars. Xi is aware of Macron's involvement in these efforts. In response, Beijing has refrained from targeting German automakers, who have a significant presence in the Chinese market, and instead focused on measures against French cognac. Furthermore, an anti-dumping investigation against European liquor producers, primarily affecting French brandy and cognac, has also raised concerns.

The focus of the discussions during this state visit will be the cognac issue, which the French authorities are keen to address to safeguard their interests. Additionally, Macron plans to provide Xi with an analysis of the conflict in Ukraine, conveying the Ukrainian perspective. Concerns about Chinese companies potentially contributing to the Russian war effort will also be raised.

Experts anticipate a clash of expectations during the talks. China seeks to undermine the EU's intentions regarding the investigations on electric vehicles, while France prioritizes the Ukraine conflict. As Macron attempts to charm Xi by taking him to his childhood vacation spot in the Pyrénées, he walks a delicate line of advocating for EU industry and maintaining a diplomatic rapport with China.

As the state banquet commences, the tension between these political giants is palpable. The outcome of their discussions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of their bilateral relations and have far-reaching implications for global politics and trade.