French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. He urged Xi to support a ceasefire in Ukraine. Macron also pressed for fairer trade and more Chinese investment in France.
Macron’s three-day visit marks his fourth trip to China while in office. He aims to gain Chinese backing for peace in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Xi said both nations agreed to promote fair business rules, two-way investment, and a non-discriminatory environment for companies.
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The leaders discussed China’s neutral stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Macron called on Beijing to stop aiding Russia militarily and join efforts for a moratorium on strikes against critical infrastructure. Xi reiterated support for a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties.
Trade issues featured prominently, with the EU facing a $357 billion deficit with China. Macron urged China to consume more, export less, and support European production. He also emphasized reducing Europe’s dependence on Chinese tech and strengthening rules-based economic governance.
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Beyond politics, the visit included lighter topics, such as panda conservation. Xi confirmed a new cooperation deal to protect giant pandas. Macron’s visit highlights France’s push for peace, stronger bilateral ties, and a more balanced trade relationship with China.