France, China discuss trade, Ukraine ahead of Macron’s Asia trip

On the eve of his trip to Southeast Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on trade relations and several pressing international issues.

Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China, stating that Chinese investments are welcome in France. However, he emphasised that fair competition for companies in both countries is “a fundamental point” that must be upheld, Caliber.Az reports per Macron’s post on X. 

À la veille de mon déplacement en Asie du Sud-Est, j’ai échangé aujourd’hui avec le Président Xi Jinping sur nos relations commerciales et sur les enjeux internationaux.

Je lui ai réaffirmé la volonté de la France de continuer à bâtir une relation économique forte avec la Chine.…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 22, 2025

The two leaders also addressed the ongoing trade dispute concerning cognac exports, with Macron noting that they have “agreed to move forward as quickly as possible” on the issue, which he described as essential for French producers.

On international matters, Macron said that both France and China share the same objective regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine: achieving a “lasting and robust peace.” He reiterated the need for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” as the first step.

Turning to the Middle East, Macron called for progress toward a political solution that ensures peace and security for all. He confirmed that France and China will cooperate in preparing for the upcoming Conference on the Two-State Solution, scheduled for June in New York and co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

Macron also welcomed China’s confirmation of high-level participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference, underlining the importance of continued global cooperation on environmental issues.

Macron is set to arrive in Hanoi on May 25, the first trip to Vietnam by a French president in nearly a decade, move on to Indonesia and finish up in Singapore, where he will speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top defence conference.

By Sabina Mammadli