French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in China on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on trade, investment and diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Macron aims to seek China’s support in urging Russia toward ending the war. His office said he will push for balanced economic cooperation that promotes sustainable growth for both countries.
France wants more Chinese investment and better access for French exports. Officials from both sides are expected to sign agreements in sectors such as energy, food production and aviation. Macron’s office said he will defend fair and reciprocal market access.
Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Beijing after nightfall and were welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The couple is scheduled to visit the Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City later on Wednesday.
The visit comes as France prepares to host the G7 summit in 2026. China will chair next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which includes major economies including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Russia.
The European Union’s trade deficit with China exceeded 300 billion euros last year. China accounts for nearly half of France’s total trade deficit. Both France and the EU see China as a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival. Recent years have seen several trade disputes, including the EU probe into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and China’s counter-investigations into European brandy, pork and dairy imports.
In July, Macron welcomed China’s decision to exempt most cognac makers from its anti-dumping measures. France remains China’s top supplier of wine and spirits.
Macron will also raise the Ukraine war in his meeting with President Xi Jinping. This follows Macron’s talks in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week on possible terms for a ceasefire.
A senior French diplomat said Paris wants China to use its influence on Russia to push for a ceasefire and support negotiations that could lead to security guarantees for Ukraine. France also expects China to avoid providing any support that could help Russia continue the conflict.
China has said it supports dialogue and negotiation to end the war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China has played a constructive role since the conflict began.
Macron will meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday before attending a France-China business forum. He will also meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The French presidential couple will travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province later in the visit. On Friday, Macron and Xi will hold talks in Dujiangyan, one of the world’s oldest irrigation sites. Macron will also meet students at Sichuan University.
Chengdu is home to China’s giant panda conservation center, where Yuan Meng, the first panda born in France, now lives. France last month returned a pair of giant pandas that had lived in the country for 13 years and produced three cubs.