Macron and Xi in a "tête-à-tête"; Topic – Ukraine PHOTO/VIDEO

The two leaders agreed to cooperate on a range of global issues, including efforts to end the war in Ukraine and matters of trade.

The bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing took place as France prepares to assume the G7 presidency next year.

Macron called on Xi to help end the war in Ukraine and address trade deficits.

For Macron, who is on his fourth visit to China during his term, the three-day trip is an opportunity to strengthen support for a cease-fire in the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, as well as to attract more Chinese investment to France.

The country’s trade deficit with the world’s second-largest economy grew to 46 billion euros in 2024.

Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosted Macron and his wife Brigitte with a grand red-carpet welcome in the Chinese capital, featuring an honor guard and rows of children waving flags. Smiling as he entered the spacious hall, Macron blew kisses to the audience while the orchestra played the national anthems of both countries.

After the ceremony, Macron told Xi that France and China must overcome their “differences.”

The Chinese leader echoed Macron’s words, calling for “more stable” relations.

Xi emphasized support for a ceasefire

Their tête-à-tête comes amid renewed efforts to mediate an end to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, where Macron is leading attempts to counter a U.S.-backed plan that has been widely criticized for echoing Russia’s demands.

“We must continue working toward peace and stability in the world, both in Ukraine and in other regions affected by war. Our ability to work together is decisive,” Macron told Xi.

“The conflict poses a vital threat to European security, as well as to respect for the international order based on the rule of law,” he stressed.

Xi emphasized Beijing’s support for a ceasefire.

“China supports all efforts dedicated to peace and hopes that all parties will achieve a just, lasting, and binding peace agreement acceptable to all sides through dialogue and negotiations,” he said.

Macron, who will host next year’s G7 summit, called on Beijing to cooperate with the group on “more balanced and fairer” rules-based economic governance.