MWE Correspondent
French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a three-day visit to Beijing, where he is expected to push for deeper cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly on efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
Macron’s trip marks his fourth official visit to China since taking office in 2017. This time, he arrives at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension, with the conflict in Ukraine entering yet another winter season and diplomatic channels becoming increasingly strained. Before returning to Europe, Macron is also expected to meet China’s Premier and later travel to the southwestern city of Chengdu for additional engagements.
A central focus of the visit is Ukraine, where Macron hopes China can play a more active diplomatic role. Although Beijing has repeatedly called for dialogue and respect for territorial integrity, it has avoided directly condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion. Macron believes China’s global influence gives it a unique ability to help shift the dynamics of the conflict. His discussions with Xi are expected to explore whether Beijing can help facilitate a broader push toward a ceasefire or meaningful negotiations.
The trip comes shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Macron in Paris, urging European nations to maintain strong political and military backing for Kyiv. Zelensky, stressing the urgency of renewed diplomatic engagement, described his talks with Macron as constructive and reiterated that any lasting peace must be just and grounded in international law. His position mirrors sentiments shared across European capitals, particularly as debates intensify about long-term security arrangements and support.
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Alongside geopolitical concerns, the visit also touches on growing economic tensions between Europe and China. Macron is expected to raise the issue of global trade imbalance, something European leaders view as increasingly pressing. With industries facing intense competition and Europe calling for fairer trade practices, Macron hopes to encourage a more balanced economic partnership.
China, meanwhile, has signaled willingness to deepen cooperation, particularly in areas like green technology, energy, and scientific research. However, significant differences remain, especially regarding market access, export controls, and industrial subsidies. European officials argue these issues must be addressed for long-term stability in the relationship.
As the visit unfolds, analysts note that Macron’s diplomacy reflects a broader European strategy: engaging China not only as a major economic partner but also as a potential mediator in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. The stakes are high, and while expectations remain cautious, the discussions represent an important attempt to bridge global political divides.
Ultimately, Macron’s mission is twofold — to encourage China to assume a more constructive role in ending the war in Ukraine, and to chart a clearer economic path for Europe-China relations moving forward. Whether the visit yields concrete breakthroughs remains uncertain, but it underscores France’s determination to keep diplomatic avenues open during a time of shifting alliances and deepening global challenges.
