European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron for a working lunch on Monday, said the commission, as the two prepare for a joint trip to China later in the week. Commission chief spokesperson Eric Mamer said in a tweet that the two leaders will discuss issues including Russias war on Ukraine, the energy sector and preparations for their trips to China, including their joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi plans to hold talks with Macron to chart a course for bilateral relations, deepen cooperation and share views on major issues, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday. Von der Leyen had delivered a sober assessment of Chinese policies, saying China was becoming more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, replacing an era of reform and opening with one of security and control, where companies in China were required to assist state intelligence-gathering operations.