On December 4, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in a significant summit held in Beijing. The meeting was dedicated to promoting the bilateral relations between China and France. They focused on more immediate global crises such as the trade crisis, the war in Ukraine, and instability related to Taiwan.
In his remarks at the opening of the summit, Xi Jinping took multilateralism to task. He asked Macron to oppose turning this into a decoupling between countries. He claimed that decoupling would only cause greater disruption and prevent the world from cooperating at all. Macron’s visit was, in part, intended to reinforce the French message of promoting close relations with China, even as the international order shifts dramatically and perhaps irrevocably.
Trade was a major theme of the entire meeting, with both leaders acknowledging and seeking to correct serious US-China trade imbalances. As part of this synchronized push to beef up economic cooperation, China promised to buy more quality products from France. This pledge will strengthen both the agricultural sector as well as markets for high-tech products and luxury goods. It does hold promise to forge a more reciprocal, balanced trade relationship.
The summit ignited a new spirit of collaboration. Project participants signed a multi-page binding letter of intent to facilitate billions in investment, make a sustainable choice to protect the environment, and improve cultural exchange. These agreements are emblematic of both sides’ desire to deepen economic cooperation and tackle key challenges together.
As seen in the brutal Hamas attacks of October 7, the conversations delved into the wider geopolitical landscape. The war in Ukraine was mentioned, a nod to France’s continued diplomatic hare and tortoise feet for diplomacy in the ongoing crisis. In addition, Taiwan’s status was discussed as both leaders recognized its importance towards peace and stability in the region.