French President Emmanuel Macron will visit China from December 3-5 for meetings with Xi Jinping, focusing on strategic partnership and global challenges
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron will make a state visit to China from December 3 to 5.
His office confirmed the trip will include stops in Beijing and the southwestern city of Chengdu.
Macron will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first visit to China since April 2023.
The Elysee Palace stated the visit aligns with Macron’s commitment to maintaining “constant and demanding dialogue with China.”
This follows Xi Jinping’s visit to France in May 2024.
Major strategic partnership issues between France and China will be discussed during the meetings.
International challenges and cooperation areas will also feature prominently in discussions.
Macron is expected to address economic and trade matters during the visit.
France assumes the G7 presidency next year, adding significance to the economic discussions.
The G7 group of industrialised democracies currently has Canada as chair, with China not being a member.
Macron’s visit coincides with the recent return of two giant pandas loaned to France by China.
The pandas were flown back to retire at the Chengdu panda sanctuary this week.
A Chinese embassy official promised new bears would replace the departing popular pair before their departure. – AFP
