China's Xi and France's Macron vow to work together on international crises and trade

BEIJING China and France have affirmed plans to intensify their cooperation on major international challenges, including the conflict in Ukraine and trade relations, as France prepares to assume the G7 presidency next year. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday morning during a three-day state visit centered on diplomacy and economic ties.

Macron emphasized the urgency of international dialogue, saying, The risk of unraveling the global order that has maintained peace for decades is real. In this context, China-France dialogue is more critical than ever. He urged Beijing to help push for at least a ceasefire in Ukraine, particularly a moratorium on attacks targeting essential infrastructure.

Xi did not directly respond to the call regarding Ukraine, but stated that China supports all initiatives aimed at peace and called for a resolution acceptable to all involved parties. While China has maintained diplomatic and economic support for Russia, Xi also announced a $100 million aid package to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support reconstruction efforts.

Xi highlighted the importance of mutual political trust and strategic independence, saying, Regardless of external circumstances, major powers must uphold independence, strategic foresight, and mutual support on core and critical issues. He added that China and France should champion multilateralism and act responsibly on the global stage.

Trade discussions were another major focus. Xi noted that both countries will pursue deeper economic collaboration in aerospace, aviation, nuclear energy, green industries, and artificial intelligence. Twelve agreements were signed, including initiatives for panda conservation and academic and research exchanges.

China represents a significant portion of Frances trade deficit, and the EU maintains a complex relationship with China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. Despite previous disputes, France secured exemptions for most of its cognac producers earlier this year. Xi expressed Chinas intent to expand market access and guide cross-border industrial and supply chain development, emphasizing continued EU-China cooperation.

Experts have suggested that China aims to strengthen bilateral ties with France as a key European economy, potentially challenging broader EU cohesion. Beijing is looking to create leverage within the EU by negotiating directly with individual member states, said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society.

Macron and his wife arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening and were welcomed at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday by a military band and children waving flags. The leaders also attended the closing session of a Franco-Chinese business forum. Macrons schedule includes meetings with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National Peoples Congress, and Premier Li Qiang, before traveling to Chengdu in Sichuan province, home to the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The center houses Yuan Meng, the first giant panda born in France and named by Brigitte Macron. France recently returned a pair of pandas to China after 13 years, during which the pandas had three cubs.

Author: Aiden Foster