Beijing: French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, launching a high-stakes three-day state visit aimed at revitalising economic cooperation at a time when Europe and China face escalating trade tensions. The meeting reflects France’s effort to maintain a productive relationship with the world’s second-largest economy while navigating the European Union’s tougher stance on Chinese market practices.
Macron arrived in Beijing with an unusually large business delegation, including senior executives from major French industries such as Airbus, BNP Paribas, Schneider Electric, Alstom, and several agricultural sectors. Their presence underscores Paris’s intention to advance trade discussions despite a political climate marked by disputes over subsidies, market access, and industrial competition.
Thursday’s bilateral talks were held against the backdrop of the EU’s preparations for stricter trade rules targeting sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and digital platforms areas where China’s state-supported industries have grown rapidly. For Beijing, Macron’s visit offers a rare opportunity to ease tensions with a key European power without appearing to concede to Western pressure.
While both sides emphasized the importance of stable economic ties, officials familiar with the discussions indicated that major commercial announcements are unlikely. France has long hoped for a sizeable aircraft purchase by Chinese airlines and reduced tariffs on EU brandy a product dominated by French exporters but Beijing is hesitant to offer concessions that may alter its broader global trade strategy.
China’s leadership, analysts say, is focused on protecting its economic leverage amid intensified rivalry with the United States. As a result, Beijing may prioritize symbolic cooperation agreements over big-ticket deals that could be used by Western partners to claim a diplomatic win.
In a notable diplomatic move, President Xi Jinping is expected to accompany Macron on a visit to Chengdu on Friday an honour rarely extended to foreign leaders. The gesture highlights Beijing’s interest in maintaining strong ties with Paris, one of Europe’s most influential political and economic players.
This marks Macron’s fourth visit to China and signals the ongoing importance of the relationship despite global pressures. The French leader has repeatedly called for Europe to chart a strategic path with China neither confrontational nor overly dependent and his latest trip reflects that balancing act.
France exports roughly $35 billion worth of goods to China each year, heavily concentrated in aviation, cosmetics, and luxury products. Meanwhile, Chinese exports to France exceed $45 billion, dominated by low-cost consumer goods and a surge in items sold through e-commerce platforms. European officials remain concerned about China’s industrial overcapacity, heavy subsidies for key sectors, and risks posed to the EU’s economic security.
During the meeting, Macron reiterated France’s position that Europe seeks “fair, balanced, and mutually respectful” trade ties with China. Xi, for his part, signaled that Beijing is open to dialogue but framed China’s industries as vital to global supply chains.
The two sides are expected to unveil several cooperative initiatives during Macron’s visit, focused on environmental technology, cultural exchange, and limited market access measures. However, the absence of major commercial breakthroughs suggests Beijing is choosing caution over cooperation that could shift geopolitical dynamics.
As Macron’s trip continues, European officials are watching closely for signs of whether China will adjust its trade posture or continue to assert its industrial model despite rising global scrutiny. For now, the visit underscores France’s ongoing effort to maintain engagement, even as Europe faces increasing pressure to reduce strategic dependence on Beijing.