Macron arrives in China for talks on trade, Ukraine ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in China for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic ties and advancing diplomatic discussions, including efforts to enlist Beijing in pressing Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Macron’s visit will focus on promoting cooperation in trade and investment, with the French president advocating a framework that ensures “sustainable, solid growth that benefits everyone,” according to his office, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Officials from both countries are expected to sign agreements across the energy, food, and aviation sectors. France aims to attract more Chinese investment while securing fair and reciprocal access for French exports.

Upon arrival, Macron and his wife Brigitte were greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Beijing airport. They are scheduled to visit the recently renovated Qianlong Garden within the Forbidden City on the evening of December 3.

The talks between Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping will also address Russia’s war in Ukraine. Paris hopes Beijing can use its influence to encourage Moscow to move toward a ceasefire and refrain from providing support that would prolong the conflict. Macron met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on December 1 to discuss potential ceasefire terms.

China’s Foreign Ministry has emphasised the country’s support for dialogue and negotiation as the way to resolve the Ukraine crisis, describing its role as “constructive” in promoting a political solution.

Macron’s itinerary includes meetings at the Great Hall of the People with Xi, participation in a Franco-Chinese business forum, and talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress.

On December 4 and 5, the presidential couple will travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province, visiting the historic Dujiangyan irrigation system, Sichuan University, and the Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, where Yuan Meng—the first giant panda born in France—is now staying.

The visit comes as France prepares to host the 2026 Group of Seven summit, while China will chair the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Last year, the 27-nation EU bloc ran a trade deficit with China of over €300 billion ($348 billion), with France alone accounting for nearly half of the deficit.

By Aghakazim Guliyev