Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France for a state visit hosted by Emmanuel Macron. Macron plans to address issues such as Ukraine and trade during the visit, which marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and China. Xi’s visit to France is part of his first trip to Europe since 2019 and he will also visit Serbia and Hungary.
Xi’s decision to visit France as the only major European power shows the positive relations between China and France since Macron’s state visit to China in 2023. Xi, along with his wife Peng Liyuan, was welcomed at Paris Orly airport by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.
During his visit, Xi will hold talks in Paris with Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, followed by a state banquet. Macron will emphasize the importance of China’s role in maintaining international order and peace, as well as address concerns about Chinese support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
While Macron has expressed the need for Europe to defend its strategic interests in economic relations with China, there are differing views within Europe on how to approach Chinese relations. Macron previously stated that Europe should not be caught between the US and China in a standoff over Taiwan.
Human rights groups are calling on Macron to raise concerns about China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority and violations of press freedom. Despite the warm reception and discussions during Xi’s visit, it is unclear how much influence Macron will have over the Chinese leader, especially given Xi’s close ties with Moscow and China’s market practices.
Overall, Macron’s main messages to Xi will focus on Chinese support for Russia and market-distorting practices, although it is unlikely to significantly impact Chinese behavior. Xi’s visit to France, Serbia, and Hungary highlights different perspectives within Europe on relations with China and the challenges in addressing human rights issues and economic concerns.
