Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron met in the southwestern city of Chengdu on Friday, continuing discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between China and France. The meeting marked the second day of Macron’s trip to China and was seen as a significant diplomatic gesture because Xi rarely hosts foreign leaders outside Beijing.
A day earlier, both leaders met in the Chinese capital, where they witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation agreements. These agreements cover areas such as nuclear energy, aging population research, environmental protection, artificial intelligence, and panda conservation. The meeting also included participation from French business leaders who hope to deepen economic ties with China.
However, one closely watched topic did not see an outcome. China did not confirm a much anticipated deal involving hundreds of aircraft from Airbus. Analysts say Beijing may be waiting for a more favorable moment or trying to balance the ongoing competition between China and Western economies, especially with rising global trade tensions.
During the talks, Macron urged China to help address what he described as an unsustainable global trade imbalance. He also encouraged Beijing to play a constructive role in easing international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. China has maintained a position of neutrality while calling for dialogue and peace.
For China, hosting the French president outside the capital was seen as a sign of goodwill and a message that Beijing values its relationship with France. The Chengdu visit included cultural activities and discussions to highlight cooperation beyond economics, focusing on long term scientific and social collaboration.
Diplomatic experts say the visit reflects an effort by both countries to maintain strong ties despite global political shifts. France is considered a key voice in the European Union, and China has shown interest in building direct relationships with European nations at a time of increasing pressure from the United States.
Both leaders are expected to continue discussions on global governance, climate priorities, and future trade arrangements. While no major breakthroughs were announced, officials from both countries described the meetings as positive and constructive.
The visit is seen as a step toward a more stable relationship between Europe and China, even as disagreements remain on trade rules, geopolitical conflicts, and global security challenges.