Macron travels to China to discuss trade relations and Russia's conflict in Ukraine

PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a three-day official visit to China starting Wednesday, emphasizing trade cooperation and diplomatic discussions. The trip aims to engage Beijing in encouraging Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Macron plans to promote a cooperative approach to economic and trade relations to foster "stable, sustainable growth that benefits all," according to his office. France seeks to attract increased investment from Chinese firms and improve access for French exports to the Chinese market.

During the visit, officials from both countries are expected to finalize agreements in sectors including energy, food production, and aviation. Macron's office emphasized the presidents commitment to ensuring "fair and reciprocal market access."

Looking ahead, France will host the Group of Seven summit in 2026, while China will preside over the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which includes major economies such as the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Russia. The European bloc, comprising 27 nations, continues to run a significant trade deficit with China, exceeding 300 billion euros ($348 billion) last year, with China alone accounting for 46% of France's trade shortfall.

France and the EU categorize China as simultaneously a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. In recent years, trade tensions have emerged, notably after the EU investigated subsidies for Chinese electric vehicles, prompting retaliatory Chinese probes into European brandy, pork, and dairy imports. In July, Macron welcomed exemptions for most cognac producers as a constructive step. France remains China's top supplier of wine and spirits.

Macrons discussions with President Xi Jinping will also focus on the Ukraine conflict, following his recent meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore potential ceasefire conditions. A senior French diplomat stated, Our goal is for China to persuade Russia to move toward a ceasefire swiftly and help consolidate it through negotiations that ensure strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Paris expects China not to provide Russia with any means to continue the conflict.

Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated last week that Beijing supports "dialogue and negotiation" to resolve the Ukraine war and has consistently played a "constructive role" in seeking a political solution.

Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, is scheduled to arrive in Beijing Wednesday evening. His itinerary includes a visit to the Qianlong Garden complex within the Forbidden City, recently reopened after extensive renovations. On Thursday, Macron will meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People, followed by participation in a Franco-Chinese business forum. Later, he will hold talks with Zhao Leji, chairman of Chinas National Peoples Congress, and Premier Li Qiang.

The French presidential couple will then travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province. On Friday, Macron and Xi will convene in Dujiangyan, the site of one of the worlds oldest irrigation systems. Macron will also meet students at Sichuan University. Chengdu hosts the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where Yuan Mengthe first giant panda born in France and named by Brigitte Macronresides. Last month, France returned a pair of star giant pandas to China after 13 years, during which they had three cubs.

Author: Sophia Brooks