French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in China for a three‑day state visit, receiving a grand welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During the trip, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who stressed the importance of multilateralism, global solidarity and cooperation between the two nations. Xi said that China is ready to work with France to overcome various global challenges, prioritising the fundamental interests of their peoples and the international community.
The two leaders held wide‑ranging talks on pressing issues, including ending the war in Ukraine and addressing global economic imbalances. Macron has been seeking China’s assistance in bringing an end to the conflict, where China has maintained a neutral stance despite being a major trading partner with Russia. While China has consistently called for peace talks and respect for territorial integrity, it has not condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Macron’s visit, his fourth to the world’s second‑largest economy, is accompanied by a large business delegation. After their discussions, the leaders signed twelve cooperation agreements covering population ageing, bilateral investment, nuclear energy and panda conservation. These accords underscore the strengthening of ties between France and China, with a focus on mutual benefit and cooperation.
The itinerary also includes a trip to Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province, where Macron and Xi will hold further talks in Dujiangyan, home to one of the world’s oldest irrigation systems. The province is notable for housing two giant pandas loaned to France by China. The visit highlights the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two countries, as both seek to promote cooperation and understanding on the global stage. As the talks progress, attention will focus on potential outcomes for the situation in Ukraine and the future of China‑France relations, with the signed agreements signalling a commitment to deepen their partnership.
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