Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make a state visit to France on May 6 and 7, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, will focus on international crises, particularly the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Trade issues, scientific, cultural, and sporting cooperation will also be discussed.
President Macron’s office stated that the visit will include discussions on joint actions to address global challenges such as the climate emergency, the protection of biodiversity, and the financial situation of vulnerable countries. The visit marks President Xi’s first European tour since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
During the visit, President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan will be hosted by President Macron and his wife Brigitte in Paris. The two couples will also travel to the Hautes-Pyrenees department, where Macron spent time as a child visiting his grandmother.
President Macron has expressed his intention to seek China’s support in establishing an Olympic truce during the upcoming Olympic Games in France. Macron has been urging China to dissuade Russia from its actions in Ukraine, but cooperation between China and Russia has continued to grow despite Western pressure.
Following his visit to France, President Xi will also visit Serbia and Hungary. In Hungary, he will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and discuss closer economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the areas of battery and electric vehicle manufacturing.
The visit of President Xi to France and his subsequent trips to Serbia and Hungary highlight China’s growing global influence and its engagement with European nations on various political, economic, and environmental issues.