Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Macron visits China for peace and trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Macron wants China to help end the war in Ukraine and make trade more balanced.
Xi said China supports peace efforts and wants better economic ties.
They also talked about pandas, as France recently got new ones after returning some to China.
Macron is trying to get China to stop helping Russia with the war and to work with the G7 for fairer trade rules.
He also wants Europe to be less dependent on China and the US for technology.
Despite the friendly meeting, there were no major deals signed, and both sides have different views on trade and economic security.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss peace in Ukraine and economic ties.
Macron urged China to help end the war in Ukraine and push for a ceasefire, as well as to address the EU's trade deficit with China.
Xi Jinping reiterated China's support for peace efforts in Ukraine and agreed with Macron on the need for more balanced economic ties.
Macron discussed the need for China to refrain from supporting Russia's war effort and to work with the G7 for fairer trade rules.
The leaders also agreed on a new deal for panda protection, with China promising to send new pandas to France.
- Who
- Emmanuel Macron (French President) and Xi Jinping (Chinese President)
- What
- Meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine, economic ties, and trade tensions
- When
- Thursday and Friday (specific dates not mentioned)
- Where
- Great Hall of the People, Beijing and Chengdu
- Why
- To seek China's support for a ceasefire in Ukraine, address trade deficits, and discuss economic cooperation
China
EU
Trade Tensions
China
China believes the EU is too dependent on the US and should accept a minimum price plan for Chinese EVs instead of tariffs.
EU
The EU has imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and is seeking more reciprocal trade with China.
Economic Security
China
China is waiting for the EU to yield and accept a minimum price plan for its EVs.
EU
The EU is preparing an economic security doctrine and is pushing for fairer trade rules and economic security.
- Meeting Location
- Great Hall of the People, Beijing
- Macron's Visit Duration
- Three days
- Trade Deficit
- EU's trade deficit with China
- China's Stance on Ukraine
- Neutral, supports peace efforts
- Panda Cooperation
- New deal on panda protection
- Macron's Previous Visits
- Fourth visit to China while in office
- G7 Summit
- Macron to host next year
- Airbus Order
- Not expected to be signed
- EU-China Investment Pact
- Frozen since 2021
Sources
Macron urges China to push for peace, ‘balanced’ economic ties
Macron presses Xi in Beijing to push China’s influence for Ukraine war de-escalation - Telegraph India
Xi woos Macron with sightseeing trip but little in the way of deals
France’s Macron: unity between Europe and U.S on Ukraine is “essential”
