Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in Beijing on Thursday, aiming to revitalize economic ties and navigate geopolitical differences as the two nations mark six decades of diplomatic relations.

On the table were topics ranging from pragmatic cooperation to better balance economic and trade ties between Beijing and Paris, as well as between Beijing and the European Union (EU), to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Experts noted beforehand that the visit could lead to agreements in trade, energy, transportation, and aeronautics.

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Paris-Beijing Get Closer

Xi said that China is ready to buy more premium goods from France and is open to additional French companies expanding their presence in the Chinese market. He added that China, in turn, expects France to offer Chinese businesses a fair playing field and a predictable, stable environment.

The Chinese leader called for both nations to significantly strengthen collaboration and exchanges in fields like AI, aerospace, nuclear energy, biopharmaceuticals, green economy, as well as through partnerships at regional and local levels.

The two countries celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, and in 2025 the 50th anniversary of ties between China and the European Union is being commemorated, in a context of tensions due to trade disputes and geopolitical disagreements.

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