China’s Xi arrives in France
President Xi Jinping’s visit to France signifies the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly as they mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. However, it also comes amid concerns over China’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron likely to discuss these issues during the visit.
Xi’s decision to visit France as the sole major European power on this trip underscores the warmth in Sino-French relations, especially following Macron’s own state visit to China in 2023. Additionally, it recognizes Macron’s influence as a key EU powerbroker.
President Xi Jinping, along with his wife Peng Liyuan, received a cordial welcome at Paris Orly airport despite the rainy weather. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was on hand to extend the official greeting, highlighting the significance of the visit between two nations with substantial populations.
On Monday, Xi is scheduled to engage in a day of discussions in Paris, which will also involve EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, followed by a state banquet hosted by Macron at the Elysee.
On Tuesday, Macron plans to accompany Xi to the Pyrenees mountains, an area Xi frequented during his childhood, for a day of more private and personal discussions.
In an op-ed for Le Figaro daily, Xi expressed his desire to collaborate with the international community in finding solutions to the conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that China maintains a stance of neither being a party nor a participant in the conflict.
Xi Jinping expressed his hope for a swift return to peace and stability in Europe, stating that China aims to collaborate with France and the global community to identify effective pathways for resolving the crisis.
