Macron’s China Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties and Multilateralism
Beijing/Paris — Dec. 5, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron concluded a three-day state visit to China from Dec. 3 to 5, boosting economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties while reinforcing both nations’ commitment to multilateralism amid global uncertainty.
Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin described the visit as a “key opportunity for Beijing and Paris to recalibrate their partnership and strengthen their shared vision for global governance.” Macron ended his trip in Sichuan with cultural engagements following high-level talks in Beijing, where he met President Xi Jinping. The leaders held “friendly, candid, and productive” discussions, witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, addressed the media, and attended the seventh China-France Business Council closing ceremony.
President Xi highlighted that both nations agreed to deepen political trust, expand practical cooperation, encourage people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and support global governance reforms. They also committed to strengthening traditional areas such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy, while exploring emerging sectors like green economy, digital technology, biopharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence.
The visit marked Macron’s fourth to China and the first since the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Raffarin emphasized three priorities: enhancing economic partnerships, shaping global governance ahead of China’s APEC hosting and France’s G7 presidency, and strengthening cultural cooperation.
Macron described the France-China partnership as a stabilizing force amid global uncertainties and reiterated France’s commitment to strategic autonomy, constructive dialogue, multilateralism, and the one-China policy. The visit also highlighted shared environmental goals, including support for developing nations and cooperation on initiatives like the Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P).
Economically, the trip reinforced China as France’s largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $69 billion from January to October 2025.
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