French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to France for a state visit on May 5th. CCTV announced that Xi Jinping arrived in Paris to begin his visit, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal at Orly airport. During the visit, Macron and Xi will discuss trade disputes between the European Union and China, as well as issues such as Chinese subsidies on French cognac and potential support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
The EU has been investigating Chinese state subsidies for various industrial sectors, including electric vehicles, which have been accused of distorting competition. Macron has acknowledged the differing opinions within Europe on how to approach China, with some seeing it as an opportunity for market growth while others call for better protection of national interests and reciprocity.
During the visit, Macron plans to address these issues with Xi Jinping in a more political meeting followed by a press conference. The leaders will also meet informally at the Col du Tourmalet to discuss diplomatic matters, including human rights and the Taiwan issue. In an article for Le Figaro, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of Sino-French relations and their shared history of partnership and cooperation. He expressed China’s willingness to work with France to promote mutual achievements and build a strong future together. Xi also addressed global issues such as the Ukrainian crisis, calling for respect for international principles and cooperation to find peaceful solutions. He highlighted the need for an independent Palestinian state as a fundamental solution for peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of implementing UN resolutions and supporting the two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region. Finally, he expressed China’s commitment to collaborating with France and the international community to address conflicts and promote stability around the world.
