Chinese leader Xi Jinping is visiting France today. This is Xi’s first visit to Europe since 2019.
President of France Emmanuel Macron has appealed to the Chinese leader to Xi Jinpingso that Europe and China would cooperate more closely regarding the war in Ukraine and other crises.
– We will discuss (with Xi) Ukraine, the Middle East and major crises, regarding which cooperation between China and Europe is absolutely crucial, Macron said when he met with Xi together with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen with at the Élysée Palace.
Macron has also previously appealed to China to speak sense to its ally Russia, which is waging an illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.
Macron also stressed to Xi that trade between China and Europe must be based on fair rules.
– The future of our continent depends on us being able to build a balanced relationship with China, Macron said.
The trade relationship between China and Europe is in the mud, because the EU suspects that China supports its own industry, such as the manufacture of electric cars, with subsidies that violate the rules of world trade.
At the same time, the EU’s trade deficit with China is growing, and it is difficult for European companies to gain a foothold in the Chinese market.
Read Asia correspondent Mika Hentunen’s analysis of Xi’s visit here: The Chinese leader’s travel program in Europe is puzzling – expert: Xi will split the ranks of the EU by visiting Hungary
Later in the day, there will still be official welcoming ceremonies at the church of Les Invalides and bilateral talks between Macron and Xi.
The first day of the visit culminates in a gala dinner hosted by President Macron at the Elysee Palace. At the same time, the 60-year history of diplomatic relations between China and France is celebrated.
On Tuesday, the program of the state visit will become more informal, moving from Paris to the Pyrenees mountain region, where Macron often spent time during his childhood years.
After France, Xi’s visit to Europe continues in Serbia and Hungary.