Macron heads to China to strengthen trade ties and discuss Ukraine conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron will begin a three-day state visit to China on Wednesday, aiming to deepen economic cooperation and encourage Beijing to play a constructive role in efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to the French presidency, Macron intends to promote a framework of “fair, balanced and sustainable growth” between the two countries, with an emphasis on improving access to Chinese markets for French exporters and attracting more Chinese investment into France.
During the visit, several agreements are expected to be signed in strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, and aviation. French officials stress that Paris remains committed to defending “fair and reciprocal” commercial practices, at a time when concerns over trade imbalances with China are growing across Europe.
The diplomatic dimension of the trip is equally significant. Macron hopes to persuade China—one of Russia’s key partners—to use its influence to push for a halt to the fighting in Ukraine. His visit comes ahead of major international events in 2026, with France set to host the G7 summit and China scheduled to chair the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
The European Union currently faces a large trade deficit with China, which exceeded 300 billion euros last year. France is particularly affected, with China accounting for nearly half of the country’s overall trade gap. Macron’s trip is seen as an opportunity to address this imbalance while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
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