French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a significant three-day state visit to China, with a dual agenda of addressing substantial trade imbalances and urging Chinese leaders to help pressure Russia towards a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Balancing Trade and Addressing Systemic Rivalry
The visit, which began on Wednesday, comes at a critical juncture for Franco-Chinese relations. Macron's office stated the President will advocate for an agenda of economic cooperation aimed at ensuring "sustainable, solid growth that benefits everyone." A core objective is to defend "fair and reciprocal market access" for French businesses.
The trade context is stark. The European Union's 27-nation bloc recorded a massive trade deficit with China exceeding 300 billion euros (£348 billion) last year. For France alone, China accounts for a staggering 46% of its total trade deficit. Officials hope the trip will attract more Chinese investment and facilitate better access for French exports, with several agreements in energy, food, and aviation expected to be signed.
Relations are complex, with the EU defining China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. Recent trade tensions include an EU probe into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies, met by Chinese investigations into European brandy, pork, and dairy imports. France, as China's top supplier of wine and spirits, welcomed exemptions for most cognac producers in July as a positive step.
Ukraine: The Diplomatic Frontline
Beyond commerce, Macron's talks with President Xi Jinping will heavily focus on Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The diplomatic push follows a meeting in Paris on Monday between Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss potential ceasefire terms.
A senior French diplomatic official, speaking anonymously, outlined the expectations: "What we want ... is that China can convince and influence Russia to move toward a ceasefire as quickly as possible." Paris also expects Beijing to "refrain from providing Russia with any means whatsoever to continue the war."
China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated its stance, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating last week that Beijing believes in "dialogue and negotiation" and has played a "constructive role" in promoting a political resolution.
Itinerary: From Beijing's Halls to Chengdu's Pandas
Accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, President Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening. The itinerary blends diplomacy with cultural engagement. Plans include a visit to the recently renovated Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City.
On Thursday, Macron will hold crucial talks with President Xi at the Great Hall of the People before both leaders attend a Franco-Chinese business forum. Further meetings are scheduled with National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang.
The presidential couple will then travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province. On Friday, Macron and Xi will converse in Dujiangyan, near one of the world's oldest irrigation systems, before the French President meets students from Sichuan University.
The Chengdu leg also holds symbolic significance; it is home to the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. This resonates as France recently returned a pair of giant pandas after 13 years, during which they had three cubs. Notably, the first panda born in France, Yuan Meng, was named by Brigitte Macron and now resides at the Chengdu centre.
