China, France sign 12 cooperation agreements as Macron presses on geopolitics

China and France signed 12 cooperation agreements during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Beijing, marking new commitments in areas ranging from nuclear energy and investment to population aging and panda conservation.

The signing ceremony followed talks between Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

During their meeting, Macron emphasised the need for deeper cooperation with China on global geopolitical challenges, trade issues and environmental policy. He conveyed that, given rising international tensions, sustained dialogue between Beijing and Paris was more important than ever.

Xi, for his part, called for expanded collaboration in aviation, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, the green economy and biopharmaceuticals. He presented the agreements as evidence of the two countries’ continued ability to find common ground despite political and economic headwinds.

Macron’s visit includes a large delegation of business leaders seeking new commercial opportunities for French industry. The trip comes as the French president works to reinforce his foreign policy stature and secure trade deals at a time of domestic political strain and ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

China is simultaneously attempting to smooth tensions with the European Union, particularly over its heavily subsidised electric vehicle sector, while positioning itself as a reliable partner and alternative market amid global economic uncertainty influenced by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

In a rare display of personal diplomacy, Xi is scheduled to accompany Macron to Sichuan province on December 5.

China is France’s seventh-largest trading partner, purchasing roughly $35 billion in French goods each year, according to Chinese customs data. Key exports include cosmetics, aircraft components and alcoholic beverages.

By Sabina Mammadli