French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called on China and France to move past their “differences”, stressing the need for deeper cooperation as he met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
“Differences do exist, but it is our shared responsibility to rise above them for the greater good,” Macron told Xi during their talks.
Xi, speaking at the Great Hall of the People, said Beijing wanted “more stable” ties with Paris. China, he added, was ready to work with France “to prevent external interference” and strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Macron’s three-day trip has placed the war in Ukraine at the centre of his discussions, with the French leader urging Beijing to use its influence to help push for a ceasefire.
“We must continue working for global peace and stability – in Ukraine and in any region facing conflict,” Macron said, noting that cooperation between the two countries was “essential”.
The French president also pressed for greater Chinese investment to address trade imbalances and encouraged Xi to engage with G7 nations to support rules-based economic governance.
