China and France have pledged to strengthen cooperation on major global issues — including the war in Ukraine and international trade — as France prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven next year. French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday during a three-day state visit focused on diplomacy and economic relations.
France seeks China’s help on Ukraine
Macron is trying to draw Beijing into efforts to pressure Russia toward a ceasefire with Ukraine, following renewed diplomatic activity around a U.S.-led peace proposal.
“We face the risk of the international order breaking down after decades of peace,” Macron said. “In this context, dialogue between China and France is more essential than ever.”
He urged China to support efforts to reach “at least a ceasefire” and a halt to strikes on critical infrastructure.
Xi did not directly endorse France’s request but said China “supports all efforts that work toward peace” and called for a settlement acceptable to all parties.
China has given Russia strong diplomatic backing throughout the war and has become an important economic partner for Moscow through increased trade.
Xi also announced $100 million in aid for Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis and help reconstruction efforts.
He emphasized the need for China and France to build greater trust and support each other while maintaining their respective independence. “No matter how the external environment changes, both sides should demonstrate strategic vision, mutual understanding, and support on core matters,” Xi Jinping said.
Trade remains a major priority
Economic cooperation was a key part of the meeting. Xi Jinping said both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in aerospace, aviation, nuclear energy, and emerging fields such as green industries and artificial intelligence.
The two sides signed 12 agreements, including new commitments to panda conservation and expanded partnerships in higher education and scientific research.
The European Union runs a large trade deficit with China — more than €300 billion ($348 billion) last year — and China accounts for nearly half of France’s overall deficit.
The EU has described China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. Recent years have seen tensions rise over trade investigations, including EU scrutiny of Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and China’s probes into European brandy, pork, and dairy imports. France did secure an exemption for most cognac producers in July.
Facing economic challenges at home, China is signaling it wants more investment. “China’s open door will only open wider,” Xi Jinping said, pledging expanded market access and smoother cross-border supply chain operations.
Xi Jinping also encouraged continued cooperation between China and the broader European Union.
Concerns over bilateral deals
Experts warn that China may use Macron’s visit to strengthen ties with France at the expense of a unified EU approach.
“China seeks to drive a wedge into the EU by making bilateral deals with individual member states,” said Lyle Morris of the Asia Society.
Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Beijing on Wednesday. On Thursday, Macron was greeted with a military ceremony at the Great Hall of the People before joining Xi Jinping at a Franco-Chinese business forum. His schedule also includes meetings with senior Chinese officials including Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang.
The French presidential couple will then travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province.
Chengdu is home to the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where Yuan Meng — the first giant panda born in France and named by Brigitte Macron — now lives. France recently returned two well-known giant pandas to China after 13 years, during which they produced three cubs.