Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing political mutual trust, expanding practical collaboration, and boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders also pledged to work together to advance reforms in global governance. Macron’s fourth state visit to China follows Xi’s trip to France last year to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, the presidents held talks, met the press, and attended the closing session of the seventh China-France Business Council meeting. Xi emphasized that China and France, as major global powers, must maintain strategic vision and independence despite changes in the international environment.
He stressed the need for both sides to support each other on core interests and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations.
According to Xi, economic ties between China and France continue to grow, with bilateral trade reaching 68.75 billion U.S. dollars in the first ten months of 2025 and cumulative investment exceeding 27 billion U.S. dollars. He called for expanding cooperation in traditional sectors such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy, while exploring new opportunities in green development, digital technologies, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and new energy.
China, he added, welcomes more high-quality French products and hopes France will offer a stable and fair environment for Chinese companies.
Highlighting longstanding cultural affinity between the two peoples, Xi urged expanded cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, and local exchanges. He also announced that both sides will launch a new round of collaboration on giant panda conservation. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed his readiness to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. He welcomed China’s economic openness, noting that it has created new global opportunities. France, he said, aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, renewable energy, and cultural exchange, and will ensure a fair business environment for Chinese investors.
Following their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements covering nuclear energy, agri-food development, education, and ecological protection.
The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination on global governance reforms and uphold the UN-centered international system and international law. They pledged to work toward a more balanced and equitable global governance structure.
On the Ukraine crisis, Xi reiterated China’s support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace and urged dialogue to reach a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable settlement. He emphasized that China opposes actions that distort the situation or assign blame irresponsibly.
Xi also said China and France would push for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. He announced 100 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and support for reconstruction efforts. Macron stressed that China–France cooperation is essential amid rising geopolitical tensions and challenges to multilateralism. France, he said, shares China’s views on global governance reform and seeks to deepen cooperation on climate action, biodiversity, and AI governance.
