French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, with talks expected to focus on Ukraine and trade as Europe looks to reset ties with the world’s second-largest economy.
Ahead of their meetings, Macron wrote on Twitter that discussions with the Chinese leader would focus on “peace and economic rebalancing, which the world desperately needs.”
At the meeting, Xi said China was willing to work together to “further stabilize the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France.”
Meanwhile, Macron said that both sides will have to resolve their differences.
“Sometimes there are differences, but we have a responsibility to overcome them for the greater good,” Macron told Xi during the meeting.
ukraine ceasefire talks
During his three-day state visit to China, Macron is expected to urge Xi to help Russia push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Macron told Xi that China has the “decisive ability” to influence Ukraine ceasefire talks.
The French president, who is visiting China for the fourth time since taking office, is also scheduled to meet Premier Li Kiang before flying to Chengdu on Friday for another meeting with Xi.
The visit comes days after Macron hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, where European leaders discussed the terms of a possible ceasefire as the war approaches its fourth year.
China has never condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, despite it calling for peace talks and respect for territorial integrity.
Trade discussions to include market access for France
Macron’s agenda also includes discussion on trade relations.
The EU recorded a trade deficit of €306.2 billion ($348 billion) with China last year. For France, China alone represents 46% of its total trade deficit.
Earlier, Macron had called for the EU to reduce its dependence on China and a “European priority” in the technology sector.
France is demanding greater market access and investment from Chinese companies. Macron is committed to protecting “fair and reciprocal market access,” his office said.
Officials from both countries are expected to sign agreements covering the energy, food industry and aviation sectors.
Edited by: Zack Crellin