China and France committed to strengthening collaboration on major global challenges—including the war in Ukraine—and on trade, as France prepares to assume the presidency of the G7 next year.
French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday during a three-day state visit focused on commerce and diplomacy.
France Seeks China’s Help on Ukraine
Macron hopes to persuade Beijing to play a stronger role in pressuring Russia toward a ceasefire, following renewed diplomatic efforts linked to a U.S.-backed peace initiative.
He warned that the international system that has ensured decades of peace is at risk and said cooperation between France and China is now “more essential than ever.” Macron urged China to support a call for at least a temporary halt on strikes targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
Xi did not directly address France’s request but reiterated that China “supports all efforts conducive to peace” and favors a settlement acceptable to all parties. China has been one of Russia’s key diplomatic backers since the invasion and has increased trade with Moscow.
Xi also pledged $100 million in aid for humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Calling for stronger political trust, Xi said China and France should support each other on key issues while demonstrating “independence” in their decision-making.
Expanding Economic Ties
Trade was another major theme of the meeting. Xi announced agreements to boost cooperation in aerospace, aviation, nuclear power, green technology, and artificial intelligence. The two countries signed 12 deals, including partnerships on panda conservation and academic exchanges.
The EU continues to face a large trade deficit with China—more than 300 billion euros last year—with China accounting for nearly half of France’s deficit. Recent years have brought a series of trade disputes following EU probes of Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and China’s retaliatory investigations into European products. France secured an exemption for most cognac makers earlier this year.
Amid China’s slowing economy, Xi said the country will “open its doors wider,” pledging to expand market access, encourage investment, and promote cooperation with the EU.
Concerns Over Bilateral Deals
Some analysts say Beijing may use Macron’s visit to strengthen ties with France individually, potentially weakening the EU’s collective stance toward China.
Macron and his wife arrived Wednesday and received a formal welcome Thursday at the Great Hall of the People. His schedule includes meetings with top Chinese officials and participation in a Franco-Chinese business forum. The couple will also visit Chengdu, home to China’s main giant panda conservation center, where Yuan Meng—the first panda born in France—is currently living. France recently returned several popular giant pandas after 13 years in the country.