Arthur de Laborde (in Beijing) 09:47, 05 April 2023

Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for a three-day state visit. The French president will be received by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday. At the heart of the discussions: economic relations between the two countries and the delicate subject of the war in Ukraine. Objective: to prevent China from helping Vladimir Putin more.

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Beijing on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to China, his first trip to the country since 2019. The head of state will meet in the afternoon with the French community, before a day of discussions on Thursday with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and a trip to Guangzhou on Friday. The subject of the war in Ukraine will be discussed.

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Emmanuel Macron wants to convince not to deliver weapons to Russia

If Beijing is already participating indirectly in the war effort, for example by buying Russian oil, Emmanuel Macron wants to try to convince Xi Jinping not to take a step forward by delivering weapons to the Kremlin. "China is the only country in the world capable of having an immediate and radical impact on the conflict, one way or the other," the Elysee said.

Ursula von der Leyen participates in the visit of the French President

The discussions will also focus on the 12-point peace plan, presented by the Chinese government. Even if the text remains vague on the settlement of the war in Ukraine, Paris considers that it could constitute a "basis for discussion". To weigh as much as possible against Xi Jinping, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will participate Thursday in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People, alongside Emmanuel Macron.

Another important aspect of this visit, the French president intends to revive trade issues with China. From EDF, to Alstom, via Airbus or Veolia... He takes with him about fifty business leaders. Many contracts are expected to be signed.