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Macron Concludes China Visit with Focus on Trade, Ukraine, and Cultural Exchange
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A relaxed tone marked the end of French President Emmanuel Macron’s fourth state visit to China on Friday, following intensive discussions with President Xi Jinping on pressing global issues like the war in Ukraine and persistent trade imbalances. The visit,concluding in Chengdu,showcased a blend of diplomatic formality and cultural exchange,signaling a continued – albeit complex – relationship between the two nations.
From Beijing talks to Sichuan Landscapes
The shift in atmosphere from the formal setting of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was deliberate. President Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan personally guided Macron and his wife, Brigitte, through the centuries-old Dujiangyan Dam, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the mountainous Sichuan province. This gesture,described by Macron as a touching departure from official protocol,underscored a desire for mutual trust and collaboration. He previously hosted Xi in the Pyrenees in May 2024, further demonstrating a reciprocal commitment to personal diplomacy.
Macron,observed earlier jogging near a lake with his security detail,received a detailed explanation of the dam’s ancient irrigation system – a marvel of engineering dating back to the third century BC that continues to sustain the Sichuan Basin. He emphasized the importance of working “together” amidst rising international tensions and widening trade disparities favoring China.
Did you know?-The Dujiangyan Dam, built in 256 BC, still irrigates 5.3 million hectares of land in Sichuan province.It redirects the Min River, preventing floods and providing water for agriculture.
Panda Diplomacy and Olympic Aspirations
The visit wasn’t solely focused on geopolitical discussions. It also highlighted the softer side of Sino-french relations, exemplified by “panda diplomacy.” Brigitte Macron visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, welcoming the return of two pandas, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, who had been loaned to France in 2012. She also met Yuan Meng,the first giant panda born in France in 2017,affectionately known as her “Godchild,” who returned to China in 2023.
The exchange underscores China’s use of these iconic bears as ambassadors of goodwill, with cubs born abroad eventually returning to chengdu to participate in breeding and rehabilitation programs. The forests of Sichuan province provide a crucial habitat for numerous protected species, including snow leopards and giant pandas.
Pro tip:-Giant pandas spend up to 12 hours a day eating,consuming around 12-38 kilograms (26-84 pounds) of bamboo daily to meet their energy needs.
Simultaneously occurring,President Macron engaged with students in Chengdu,a vibrant city of 21 million people known for its cultural openness. He also met with French table tennis brothers Alexis and Felix Lebrun, rising stars poised to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, who are currently in China for the Mixed Team Table Tennis World Cup.
Addressing Trade Imbalances and the Ukraine conflict
Prior to the more relaxed atmosphere in Chengdu, Macron directly addressed key concerns with Xi Jinping during their meeting in beijing on Thursday. He urged China to actively contribute to ending the war in Ukraine and to address the growing trade imbalances between France and Europe.
China maintains a position of calling for peace talks and respecting the territorial integrity of all nations, but has refrained from condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion. Western governments have accused Beijing of providing economic support to Russia’s war effort,including the potential supply of military components – allegations China denies.
Reader question:-china’s trade surplus with france reached $36.8 billion in 2023. France seeks greater market access and fairer competition for its businesses in China.
However, Macron’s call for increased Chinese investment in France appears to have resonated. A letter of intent was signed on Thursday, with Xi Jinping expressing a willingness to “increase reciprocal investments” and foster a “fair trading habitat.”
