French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Beijing, emphasizing the need for France and China to overcome differences amid ongoing global challenges. Macron’s three-day visit focuses on economic cooperation, geopolitical stability, and China’s role in ending the war in Ukraine.

Macron Calls for Cooperation Despite Differences

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Macron told Xi, “Sometimes there are differences, but it is our responsibility to overcome them for the greater good. Our capacity to work together is decisive.” While Macron made a clear reference to Ukraine, no formal agreement on the conflict was reported following the talks.

Al Jazeera correspondent Katrina Yu noted that tensions remain over accusations that China provides economic and military support to Russia, a claim Beijing denies. China has yet to condemn Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

France Hopes China Can Influence Russia

Macron’s visit follows a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. French officials hope China will pressure Russia to move toward a ceasefire, while refraining from supplying Russia with further military support.

A French diplomatic source said, “What we want … is that China can convince and influence Russia to move toward a ceasefire as quickly as possible.”

Xi responded with calls to stabilize the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, suggesting China is willing to work with France “to exclude any interference,” though the statement’s reference likely included issues such as Taiwan, which remains a sensitive topic for Beijing.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Economic discussions formed a major part of the visit. Macron urged China and the European Union to collaborate on creating fairer global economic governance, addressing Europe’s ballooning deficits, which have increased nearly 60 percent since 2019.

Accompanying Macron were executives from French companies including Airbus, BNP Paribas, and Alstom, reflecting the focus on bilateral investment and industrial cooperation.

Key Agreements Signed

The two leaders signed 12 cooperation agreements covering:

• Population ageing strategies
• Bilateral investment initiatives
• Nuclear energy projects
• Panda conservation programs

Xi will accompany Macron to Sichuan province, where two giant pandas recently loaned to France were returned, highlighting the symbolic and cultural aspects of their partnership.

Context and Geopolitical Significance

Macron’s China visit, his fourth since taking office, comes amid US-brokered ceasefire efforts in Ukraine and rising tensions over Taiwan, trade imbalances, and global economic governance. Analysts view the talks as a strategic effort to align China with European diplomatic goals while navigating sensitive issues such as Taiwan, Russia, and US-China rivalry.