PARIS: Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to make a state visit to France on May 6 and 7, Paris announced on Monday, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East situation expected to be high on the agenda.
The visit marks Xi’s first European tour since the coronavirus pandemic and underscores the significance of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Scheduled to coincide with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Xi’s visit follows President Emmanuel Macron’s previous trip to Beijing and Guangzhou in April 2023. According to a statement from Macron’s office, discussions between Xi and Macron will center on international crises, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, alongside trade issues, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchanges.
The Elysee palace highlighted the importance of joint efforts to address global challenges, particularly the climate emergency, biodiversity protection, and the financial stability of vulnerable countries. Lin Jian, spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, expressed Beijing’s commitment to leveraging the visit to contribute to global peace, stability, and development.
During his stay in France, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan will be hosted by Macron and Brigitte Macron in Paris on May 6. The following day, the two couples will travel to the southwestern department of Hautes-Pyrenees, a region with personal significance to Macron.
Macron’s engagement with Xi also extends to broader geopolitical concerns, including efforts to dissuade China from supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. Despite Western pressure, cooperation between China and Russia has continued to strengthen in recent times, prompting French officials to stress the importance of engaging with China to influence Moscow’s stance.
Xi’s visit to France precedes planned trips to Serbia and Hungary, highlighting China’s multifaceted diplomatic engagements in Europe. In Hungary, Xi is expected to explore opportunities for further economic cooperation, building on the country’s “Eastern opening” foreign policy championed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
