Xi Jinping urged Paris to maintain geopolitical independence

French President Emmanuel Macron, during a state visit to China, urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to cooperate more closely on geopolitics, trade and environmental protection.

He stressed that Paris and Beijing have a role to play in stabilising the international environment and in finding solutions to the war in Ukraine. He also spoke of the need to adjust global trade so that the rules operate more fairly for both sides.

"We are at a time when we have to face the risk of the disintegration of the world order that has brought peace to the world in recent decades. It is precisely at a time like this that dialogue between China and France is more important than ever," Macron said after the meeting.

Macron arrived in Beijing for his fourth state visit, accompanied by a delegation of French industry representatives. The aim of the trip is to strengthen France's political influence and win new contracts for French firms. China is seeking to ease tensions with the European Union over tariffs and investigations into electric cars, and is also keen to present itself as a reliable trading partner.

Xi Jinping called on France to maintain its geopolitical independence and pledged continued Chinese involvement in peace efforts in both Ukraine and the Middle East. He encouraged deeper cooperation in nuclear energy, aerospace, artificial intelligence, green technologies and pharmaceutical research. Following the talks, the two sides signed a series of agreements.

(reuters, sie)