President Emmanuel Macron touched down in China on Wednesday for a state visit lasting three days, primarily centered on trade and diplomatic discussions. His main goal seems to be securing China’s assistance in pressuring Russia for a ceasefire regarding Ukraine.
According to the presidential palace, Macron plans to promote cooperation in economic and trade matters, ultimately striving for a framework that fosters “sustainable and robust growth beneficial to all parties involved.”
France is eager to draw more investment from Chinese firms and enhance access for French goods in the market.
During the visit, officials from both nations are set to sign multiple agreements related to energy, food, and aviation sectors.
Macron aims to advocate for “fair and reciprocal market access,” as his office has indicated.
After landing at Beijing’s airport post-sunset, Macron and his wife Brigitte faced the winter temperatures in open overcoats while making their way down the red-carpeted jetway. They were greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and took a limousine ride to meet President Xi Jinping.
Later that evening, the group plans to tour the Qianlong Garden complex in the Forbidden City, once a residence for Chinese emperors. This garden, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, recently reopened to the public following extensive renovations.
Looking ahead, France is set to host the G7 summit for developed nations in 2026, while China will chair the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which includes 21 countries like the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Russia.
The European Union faces a significant trade deficit with China, which exceeded $348 billion last year; notably, China represents 46% of France’s total trade deficit.
France and the EU identify China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival.
In recent years, trade conflicts have emerged, particularly after the EU initiated an investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies, leading China to respond with checks on imports of European brandy, pork, and dairy products.
In July, Macron praised a recent exemption granted to most cognac producers, regarding this as a positive move, given that France holds the top position as China’s wine and spirits supplier.
Discussions between Macron and Xi will also cover the ongoing war in Ukraine, especially following Macron’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over potential ceasefire discussions.
A senior French diplomat noted, “Our goal is for China to influence Russia towards a ceasefire quickly and to secure it through negotiations that should guarantee strong security for Ukraine.”
Paris hopes that Beijing will refrain from providing support that enables Russia to continue the war, added the official, who requested anonymity due to standard French presidential practice.
Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that Beijing advocates for “dialogue and negotiations” to end the war in Ukraine and supports “all efforts” toward peace.
Since the Ukraine crisis began, China has claimed to play a constructive role in promoting a political resolution, she asserted.
On Thursday, Macron is set to meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People. Following that, both leaders will participate in the France-China Business Forum. Macron’s afternoon agenda also includes discussions with National People’s Congress President Zhao Leji and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Afterward, the French president and Brigitte will head to Chengdu in Sichuan province.
On Friday, another meeting is scheduled between Macron and Xi at Dujiangyan, the location of the world’s oldest irrigation system. Macron will also engage with students from Sichuan University.
Chengdu is home to the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, housing Yuan Meng, the first French-born giant panda named by Brigitte Macron. Last month, France returned to China a panda couple that had been in the country for 13 years and had three cubs during their stay.
