Macron landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday evening with his wife Brigitte Macron and was received by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It is Macron’s fourth visit to China since taking office in 2017.
The French leader is scheduled to hold formal talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday. His programme began on Wednesday with a tour of the Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City.
The Élysée Palace said ahead of the trip that Macron would focus on expanding economic and trade cooperation, noting France’s interest in promoting sustainable and resilient growth and attracting more Chinese investment. Officials said the two sides are expected to sign a series of agreements covering energy, food products, and aerospace.
Macron is also expected to urge Beijing to use its influence over Moscow to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, according to French media reports.
Following his meeting with Xi, Macron and the Chinese leader will attend a France–China business roundtable. On Friday, the French president will travel to Chengdu, in Sichuan province, to visit a panda conservation centre.
