France's Macron discusses Ukraine during his visit to China

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, aiming to urge Chinese President Xi Jinping to facilitate a ceasefire in Ukraine and to address trade issues between France and China. This marks Macron's fourth official visit to China since he assumed office in 2017.

During his stay in the capital, Macron will meet with Xi and Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People before traveling to Chengdu, where two giant pandas recently loaned to France have been returned to China.

Efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine are expected to dominate discussions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the role China could play, stating that Beijing, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, could encourage Russia, particularly President Vladimir Putin, to agree to a ceasefire. Barrot added that Chinas influence could be key in guiding Russia toward the right decision.

Macron has previously made similar appeals during his April 2023 visit to China and Xis May 2024 visit to France, with limited results. China continues to advocate for peace talks and respect for territorial integrity, but has not condemned Russia for its 2022 invasion. Western nations have accused Beijing of providing economic and military support to Russia, including components for its defense industry. The French presidency indicated Macron will stress that China should avoid supplying Russia with any means to continue the conflict.

Macron's visit follows a recent trip to Paris by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for European support amid a US-backed proposal to end the war. European leaders worry the plan could pressure Kyiv into conceding territory to Russia. Zelensky stated on X that he shares the view that the war must reach a fair conclusion, following discussions with Macron, as well as phone calls with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders.

Trade relations will also be on Macron's agenda, as the EU faces a $357 billion trade deficit with China. An advisor to Macron noted the need for China to import more, export less, and for Europe to boost production while reducing savings.

Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, the French president will remain in China until Friday, with Chengdu as his final stop. The recent return of two giant pandas to China, and the promise of new pandas to replace them, adds symbolic significance to the visit. The French presidency described the Chengdu visit as highly exceptional in Chinese protocol and particularly appreciated by Macron.

During his last visit to China, Macron received an enthusiastic welcome at a university in Guangzhou, where students eagerly sought selfies and interactions with him.

Author: Sophia Brooks