French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to cooperate more closely on geopolitics, trade, and environmental issues, as the European Union seeks Beijing’s involvement in efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end. The appeal comes at a time when China is pursuing diplomatic gains amid escalating U.S. tariffs.
Macron is accompanied by a large business delegation during his fourth state visit to the world’s second-largest economy. The trip serves a dual purpose: reinforcing his foreign-policy standing and securing new trade agreements for key French industries, as he aims to revitalise his political legacy heading into the last years of his presidency and ahead of the 2027 French elections, Reuters reports.
China Seeks Leverage Over EU Trade Relations
For China, the visit presents an opportunity to ease tensions with the 27-member European Union, particularly over its heavily subsidised electric-vehicle sector — now under increasing scrutiny in Europe. Beijing is positioning itself as both a “reliable trading partner” and an economic counterweight to the United States, at a time when global markets face recession risks tied to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Macron: “Dialogue Between China and France Is More Vital Than Ever”
“Now, more than ever, dialogue between China and France is essential,” Macron told Xi Jinping during their meeting in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
He proposed a three-pillar positive agenda for the bilateral relationship:
- Geopolitical stability, including China’s role in helping de-escalate the war in Ukraine
- Economic rebalance, with the EU pushing back against unfair market practices
- Environmental sustainability, as both sides face rising climate and industrial pressures
Macron’s diplomatic outreach reflects Europe’s broader attempt to convince Beijing to use its leverage over Moscow — while also navigating China’s ambitions to strengthen its global standing amidst shifting power dynamics.
