Macron prioritizes Ukraine as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits France

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a two-day state visit in Paris, where discussions will focus on pressing China to use its influence to help end the war in Ukraine. Macron’s office has emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia, with talks also covering trade disputes over electric cars, cognac, and cosmetics.

The visit comes at a time of global tensions, with Xi aiming to rebuild relations with Europe. France hopes to convince China to leverage its relationship with Moscow to contribute to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Macron will also address concerns about Chinese companies supporting the Russian war effort despite EU sanctions.

In addition to Ukraine, discussions will touch on the Middle East, trade issues, and global challenges like climate change. Macron will also raise concerns about Chinese antidumping investigations into European brandy and tensions over French cosmetics. The European Commission president will join part of the meetings to address broader EU concerns.

The visit will be closely watched by Washington, as President Joe Biden is expected to pay his own state visit to France in the coming month. Macron’s invitation to Xi marks the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic relations, following Macron’s trip to China in 2023. Human rights groups have urged Macron to prioritize human rights issues in his talks with Xi, with protesters demonstrating in Paris as Xi arrived. Amnesty International has called on Macron to demand the release of imprisoned activists, including Uyghur economics professor Ilham Tohti.

The visit will include a formal ceremony at the Invalides monument, bilateral talks at the Elysee presidential palace, and a French-Chinese economic forum. Macron has also invited Xi to visit the Tourmalet Pass in the Pyrenees mountains, a personal gesture to reciprocate Xi’s hosting of Macron in Guangdong province last year.