China expressed willingness to increase imports from France in exchange for a “fair, conducive environment” for Chinese businesses in Europe, President Xi Jinping said during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday.
Macron, on the first day of a three-day visit to China—his first in over two years—emphasized the need for a “balanced relationship” while urging Beijing to help end the Russia-Ukraine war.
The French leader welcomed China’s “renewed willingness to facilitate access to the Chinese market for French products, particularly agricultural goods,” citing wine, pork, poultry, and beef. The two countries also agreed to work toward a framework that would encourage Chinese direct investment in Europe, particularly France, with the potential to create new jobs.
During the meeting, Xi called for deeper cooperation in aerospace, nuclear energy, the digital economy, biopharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence. Several agreements covering energy, agriculture, education, and the environment were signed, according to Chinese state media, though the details of the deals were not disclosed.
Analysts view Macron’s visit as part of Paris’ broader aim to act as a stabilizing influence in EU-China relations. “Good ties with France also ensure that China has friends within the EU when Brussels makes economic and political decisions that impact Chinese interests,” said Daniel Balazs, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
Tensions between Beijing and Paris have risen in recent years, particularly after Macron supported EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, prompting China to respond with price measures on French cognac. Macron is expected to lobby Beijing to avoid similar restrictions on French pork and dairy products.
The two leaders also discussed global imbalances, including China’s overproduction and export dependence, as France’s trade deficit with China reached nearly 20 billion euros in 2024. Xi affirmed China’s commitment to “continue to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict and support European nations in pushing for a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework” regarding Ukraine.
After formal meetings in Beijing, Xi and Macron are scheduled to travel to Chengdu, home to China’s giant panda breeding center. Last month, France returned two pandas to China after 13 years, signaling warming diplomatic relations. Xi confirmed that new pandas will be sent to France under a fresh panda protection agreement, emphasizing expanding cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The visit marks a critical opportunity for both countries to strengthen trade ties, advance investment, and address geopolitical challenges in Europe and beyond.
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