BEIJING (AP) — China and France have pledged to deepen cooperation on global issues including the war in Ukraine and trade as France prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven industrialized nations next year.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday morning as part of a three-day state visit focused on trade and diplomacy.
France seeks help to end war in Ukraine
The French leader is seeking to involve Beijing in pressuring Russia for a ceasefire with Ukraine, following recent diplomatic efforts over a U.S.-led peace plan.
“We face the risk of the disintegration of the international order that has brought peace to the world for decades, and in this context, dialogue between China and France is more important than ever,” Macron said on Thursday.
“I hope China will join our call and join our efforts to achieve at least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on attacks on critical infrastructure,” he said.
Xi Jinping did not respond to France’s call but said “China supports all efforts dedicated to peace” and called for a peace agreement acceptable to all parties.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, China has provided Russia with strong diplomatic support and extended an economic lifeline through increased trade.
Xi Jinping also announced that China will provide $100 million to assist Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and support the territory’s recovery and reconstruction.
Xi Jinping called for each other to demonstrate their “independence” while supporting each other, and to establish greater political mutual trust with France.
“No matter how the external environment changes, both sides, as major countries, should always demonstrate independence and strategic vision, and understand and support each other on core issues and major key issues.”
“China and France should show a sense of responsibility, hold high the banner of multilateralism… and stand firmly on the right side of history,” he added.
Both sides want more trade
Trade is another major focus on Thursday’s agenda.
Xi Jinping said at a joint appearance that the two sides agreed to strengthen economic cooperation in new fields such as aerospace, aviation, nuclear energy, green industry, and artificial intelligence. The two sides signed 12 agreements, including calls for cooperation on a new round of giant panda conservation efforts as well as higher education and research exchanges.
The EU bloc has a huge trade deficit with China: more than 300 billion euros ($348 billion) last year. China alone accounts for 46% of France’s total trade deficit.
France and the EU simultaneously describe China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. Trade disputes have arisen in a range of industries in recent years following an EU investigation into Chinese electric car subsidies and Chinese investigations into European brandy, pork and dairy imports.
But France secured exemptions for most cognac producers in July.
China, facing its own economic recession, has also signaled it wants more business.
Xi Jinping said, “China’s door to opening up will only open wider and wider,” adding that China plans to “expand market access, open up investment areas, and guide the orderly and rational layout of industrial and supply chains across borders.”
Xi Jinping also called on both sides to continue to promote China-EU mutually beneficial cooperation.
Some believe bilateral deals could harm the EU
Experts said they expected Beijing to use the visit to strengthen its individual ties with one of Europe’s most important economies at the expense of the larger EU bloc.
“China is trying to thwart the EU by striking bilateral agreements with individual EU members,” said Lyle Morris, senior fellow for foreign policy and national security at the Asia Society.
Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening.
Macron was greeted at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday morning by a military band and a group of flag-waving children. The two leaders attended the closing ceremony of the France-China Business Forum on Thursday. Macron’s agenda also includes meetings with National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
The French president and his wife will then travel to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Chengdu is also home to the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, where Yuan Meng, the first giant panda born in France named by First Lady Brigitte Macron, now lives. France last month sent a pair of celebrity giant pandas back to China after living in France for 13 years and giving birth to three cubs.
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Wu reported from Bangkok.
