The French president, Emmanuel Macron, met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Paris, this Monday, 6th, as part of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations.
The war in Ukraine and trade relations between the European Union and France were at the heart of this trilateral meeting, to which the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was also invited.
According to Macron, Europe and China need to resolve structural difficulties, particularly in trade.
“The future of our continent will also very clearly depend on our ability to further develop our relationship with China in a balanced way,” he said, at the Élysée Palace.
Ursula von der Leyen highlighted China’s importance in the eyes of the European Union in responding to contemporary challenges such as the fight against climate change and assured her determination to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
This is the Chinese president’s first visit to Europe in five years, at a time when the region is divided in relation to China.
In brief public comments before the talks, Xi Jinping said he sees relations with Europe as a priority of China’s foreign policy and that both should remain committed to the partnership.
“As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, as two important forces in this world, China and Europe must adhere to the partners’ stance, adhere to dialogue and cooperation,” he argued.
With international agencies
