French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation on geopolitics, trade, and environmental protection as the European Union seeks Beijing’s help to end the war in Ukraine. The appeal comes as China looks to secure diplomatic and economic gains amid renewed U.S. tariffs.
A Diplomatic Mission with Economic Goals
Macron’s fourth state visit to China includes a substantial business delegation, highlighting his dual aim of advancing France’s foreign policy agenda while securing lucrative deals for French industry. With less than three years left in his presidency and political challenges mounting at home, Macron is eager to reinforce his international standing and deliver tangible economic outcomes before the 2027 election.
Beijing, meanwhile, is keen to ease tensions with the 27-member EU over its heavily subsidised electric vehicle (EV) sector. It also hopes to portray itself as a reliable trading partner and an alternative economic partner to the U.S. amid global uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump’s tariff measures.
“Now, more than ever, dialogue between China and France is vital,” Macron told Xi during their meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday. He proposed what he called a “three-fold agenda” focusing on geopolitical stability, economic rebalancing, and environmental sustainability. “Our ability to work together is decisive,” he added, stressing the need for peace and stability in the world.
Political Limits to Economic Ambition
On Friday, Xi is set to accompany Macron to Sichuan province, a rare gesture of hospitality as the Chinese president seldom travels with visiting leaders outside Beijing. Yet, despite the show of goodwill, analysts believe the visit’s tangible outcomes will be limited by political and economic constraints.
Beijing is not expected to approve a long-discussed order for 500 Airbus jets, as such a move could weaken its leverage in ongoing trade talks with Washington, which is urging China to buy more Boeing aircraft. Similarly, Xi is unlikely to relax price restrictions on French cognac exports, which have been caught in the fallout from the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Easing duties on EU pork exports also appears improbable, as China continues to press Brussels for concessions on its EV market access. France’s support for the October 2024 EV tariffs further complicates prospects for compromise.
Any potential Chinese gestures on Ukraine would also be tempered by Beijing’s assurances of continued support for Russia. Meanwhile, the EU announced new economic security policies designed to reduce the bloc’s dependence on China.
“No matter how the external environment changes, our two countries should always demonstrate the independence and strategic vision of major powers,” Xi told Macron. He reaffirmed China’s willingness to promote peace in Ukraine and Gaza, while urging expanded cooperation in aerospace, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, green technologies, and biopharmaceuticals.
Twelve bilateral agreements were signed after the talks, covering topics from population ageing and investment to nuclear energy and panda conservation.
Trade Balances and Strategic Partnerships
Macron has long advocated a united European stance toward China while maintaining a careful diplomatic balance to avoid confrontation with Beijing. The French leader’s delegation includes top executives from Airbus, BNP Paribas, Schneider Electric, Alstom, and leading dairy and poultry associations reflecting France’s desire to deepen economic links while protecting strategic interests.
The EU’s trade deficit with China has expanded by nearly 60% since 2019, while France’s own trade imbalance continues to grow. Macron urged Xi to help build “fairer and stronger” global trade rules, rejecting a system based on “survival of the fittest.” He also highlighted the need to create trust and stability in global supply chains.
China is France’s seventh-largest trading partner, importing roughly $35 billion in French goods each year mainly aircraft parts, cosmetics, and spirits. France, meanwhile, imports around $45 billion in Chinese goods, most of them small parcels purchased online from platforms such as Shein, benefiting from the EU’s duty exemption for items priced under 150 euros ($174.86).
($1 = 0.8579 euros)
(with inputs from Reuters)
