Beijing: In a rare diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu, marking the first time Xi has travelled outside Beijing with a foreign leader.
The visit signals China’s intent to deepen ties with France amid global tensions and began with high-profile talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Macron, on his fourth state visit to China, pressed Xi to leverage China’s influence over Russia to push for an Ukraine ceasefire while addressing trade imbalances.
The leaders signed 12 cooperation agreements, covering nuclear energy, education, and panda conservation, though a major Airbus deal remained elusive. Macron’s delegation, including French business leaders, aimed to reduce France’s trade deficit with China and secure industrial jobs.
Xi, in turn, sought a “fair” environment for Chinese firms in Europe, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, as Beijing navigates EU tariffs and US trade pressures.
The Chengdu visit, a departure from protocol, saw the leaders explore the historic Dujiangyan dam, a UNESCO site, symbolising China’s cultural outreach. Macron called the gesture “touching,”, reciprocating Xi’s 2024 Pyrenees visit. Despite warm optics, Xi remained non-committal on Ukraine, reiterating China’s “constructive” role without condemning Russia’s actions.
Macron’s emphasis on multilateralism, as France prepares to lead the G7 in 2026, highlights Europe’s delicate balance with China.
The visit highlights Beijing’s strategic focus on France as a key EU partner, raising questions about China’s broader geopolitical ambitions.