Pandas and table tennis: Macron to conclude China visit with a lighter touch

French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his fourth official visit to China on Friday, ending on a more relaxed tone following intense discussions with President Xi Jinping the previous day over Ukraine and trade matters.

Macron and his wife Brigitte traveled to Chengdu, located in Sichuan province in southwestern China, to meet the Chinese presidential couple in a setting far removed from the grandeur of Beijings Great Hall of the People. Macron expressed that he was deeply moved by this gesture, noting it was a break from strict diplomatic protocol, recalling Xis visit to the Pyrenees in May 2024, a place connected to Macrons childhood.

The visit highlighted signs of mutual trust and a shared intent to collaborate amid rising global tensions and growing trade disparities favoring China. Following the Pyrenees meeting, Xi brought Macron to Mount Qingcheng, situated around 726 meters above sea level, where the two couples explored a historic dam and a third-century BC irrigation system. Their meeting concluded with a shared lunch before the Macrons pursued a more personal itinerary.

Panda Diplomacy

In Chengdu, Chinas fourth-largest city with 21 million residents, known for its cultural openness, Macron engaged with local students. Brigitte Macron visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, welcoming two 17-year-old pandas recently returned from France as part of Chinas panda diplomacy. She also met Yuan Meng, the first giant panda born in France in 2017, for whom she is godmother, now back in China since 2023.

The Sichuan forests, home to protected species like snow leopards and giant pandas, remain central to Chinas wildlife conservation. Pandas loaned abroad are typically returned to Chengdu for breeding and reintegration programs.

President Macron also visited table tennis stars Alexis and Felix Lebrun, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and were participating in the Mixed Team Table Tennis World Cup in China.

Diplomatic Signals

Earlier in Beijing, Macron called on China to help end the Ukraine conflict and address trade imbalances affecting France and Europe. While China advocates for peace talks and respects national sovereignty, it has not condemned Russia for its 2022 invasion. Western officials have accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Russias military efforts, which China denies.

Macrons request for increased Chinese investment in France received attention, culminating in a letter of intent signed Thursday, with Xi expressing willingness to boost reciprocal investment and foster a fair trade environment.

Author: Riley Thompson