PARIS -- President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen will face off again Sunday in the second round of the French presidential election. A change of power could alter the political balance in Europe, reshape relations with Russia and China, and affect the position of France in European trade negotiations with the world.
Both candidates are keen on strengthening France's presence in Asia and toughening the tone on China. But their approaches differ: Macron believes Europe is a conduit for counterbalancing global powers, whereas Le Pen says France should maintain good relations with Russia to prevent the formation of a Sino-Russian superpower.
