This is the start of the Chinese president’s first European tour to Europe since the Covid-19 pandemic. Xi Jinping is expected on a state visit to France on May 6 and 7, to discuss in particular the war in Ukraine with Emmanuel Macron who will also take him to the Hautes-Pyrénées for a more personal detour, announced this Monday, April 29 , the Élysée.
“This visit comes on the occasion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and follows the visit of the President of the Republic to Beijing and Canton in April 2023,” his services said in a press release.
“The discussions will focus on international crises, first and foremost the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, trade issues, scientific, cultural and sporting cooperation as well as our common actions in the face of global issues, in particular climate emergency, the protection of biodiversity and the financial situation of the most vulnerable countries,” added the French presidency.
Macron sought support from Xi Jinping on Russia
A year ago in China, Emmanuel Macron called on Xi Jinping to “bring Russia to reason” with regard to Ukraine “and everyone to the negotiating table”.
The Chinese president then said, face to face, that he was ready to call his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the French delegation. The phone call actually took place shortly after. But the diplomatic progress expected by Paris on the Russian-Ukrainian front stopped there.