French President Emmanuel Macron urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to work more closely together on geopolitics, trade and the environment, as the European Union seeks China’s help to end the war in Ukraine and Beijing seeks diplomatic breakthroughs amid US tariffs.
A large business delegation is accompanying Macron on his fourth official visit to the world’s second-largest economy as he seeks to bolster his foreign policy credentials and secure trade deals for French industry in a bid to revive his political legacy in his final years in office after a tumultuous summer ahead of a 2027 presidential election.
China, for its part, is keen to ease trade friction with the 27-member EU over the heavily subsidized electric vehicle sector, while presenting itself as a reliable trading partner and alternative market to the US as global economies face risks of recession due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
“Now, more than ever, dialogue between China and France is vital”Macron told his host during their meeting Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. “I propose a positive triple agenda for our relations, which will include geopolitical stability, economic balancing and environmental sustainability.”
“We must continue to rally for peace and stability in the world”he added, referring to the conflict in Ukraine. “Our ability to work together is critical.”
The political restrictions that make relations between the two countries difficult
Xi will join Macron on Friday in southwest China’s Sichuan province, a luxury treatment given that Xi rarely accompanies visiting world leaders when they leave Beijing.
But despite the apparent friendship between the two men, analysts say significant political constraints weigh on their partnership. The Chinese leader is not expected to approve the long-awaited order for 500 Airbus jets, as it would weaken Beijing’s bargaining position in trade talks with the US, which is pushing for new Boeing purchase commitments.
Similarly, Xi is unlikely to lift the minimum prices that most of the French cognac industry must adhere to in order to sell to Chinese consumers, given that the previous anti-dumping investigation was launched in response to the EU’s broader decision to impose import duties on Chinese electric cars.
Chinese tariffs on pork shipments from the EU are also not expected to ease as Beijing seeks to pressure Brussels to agree to a minimum price plan for Chinese-made electric cars. France voted in favor of tariffs on electric cars in the October 2024 vote.
And any Ukraine proposal Xi might make to Macron would follow recent Chinese assurances to Russia of China’s continued support.
The EU is also set to present next month new economic security policies aimed at reducing the Union’s dependence on China. “No matter the changes in the external environment, our two countries must always demonstrate the independence and strategic vision of major powers,” Xi told Macron, adding that China remains committed to promoting peace in Ukraine and Gaza.
Xi encouraged Macron to deepen cooperation in aerospace and nuclear energy, as well as artificial intelligence, the green economy and biopharmaceuticals.
The two leaders signed 12 cooperation agreements after their talks, covering issues such as population aging, bilateral investment, nuclear energy and the protection of all.
“To create a climate of trust”
In the past, Macron has sought to present a strong European front in relations with China, while being careful not to antagonize Beijing, as China is a key export market for many of France’s most important companies.
Senior executives from Airbus ( AIR.PA ), Opens a new tab , France’s biggest bank BNP Paribas ( BNPP.PA ), opens a new tab , electronics giant Schneider ( SCHN.PA ), opens a new tab and train maker Alstom ( ALSO.PA ), opens a new tab , along with leaders of French dairy and poultry groups, accompanied Macron to China.
The EU’s trade deficit with China has grown by nearly 60% since 2019, while France’s trade balance with its $19 trillion economy continues to widen.
“Our two countries have an important role to play, together with other partners, in laying the foundations for a more balanced economic governance,” Macron told Xi, calling for rules that are fairer and stronger, rather than based on “survival of the fittest.”
“It is essential to create a climate of trust and address any risk of instability in supply chains,” he added. China is France’s seventh-largest trading partner, buying about $35 billion worth of goods each year, according to Chinese customs data. About 10% of these products are cosmetics, while other important exports are aircraft parts and alcoholic beverages.
For its part, France imports about $45 billion worth of Chinese goods, mostly low-value parcels through online platforms such as Shein, which offer cheap clothes, accessories and gadgets direct from Chinese factories, thanks to an EU customs exemption for purchases under 150 euros ($174.86).
