China and France Vow Deeper Cooperation as Macron Calls for Ukraine Ceasefire
China and France have pledged to step up diplomatic coordination on major global issues—including the war in Ukraine and international trade—during French President Emmanuel Macron’s...
China and France have pledged to step up diplomatic coordination on major global issues—including the war in Ukraine and international trade—during French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Beijing. The meeting comes as France prepares to assume the G7 presidency in 2026, adding fresh urgency to its calls for renewed global cooperation.
Macron Warns of a Fracturing Global Order
Speaking alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday morning, Macron warned that the world is facing “the risk of disintegration” of the international order that has sustained decades of stability.
“In this context, the dialogue between China and France is even more essential than ever,” he said.
Macron urged Beijing to support an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, specifically appealing for a moratorium on attacks on critical infrastructure.
“I hope that China will join our call and our efforts to achieve, as soon as possible, at the very least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on strikes targeting critical infrastructure,” he said.
Xi Reiterates China’s Position on Ukraine
President Xi did not directly endorse France’s proposal but reiterated China’s long-held stance that it supports “all efforts that work towards peace.”
He repeated that any settlement must be based on an agreement acceptable to all sides, a position that underscores China’s close political and economic ties with Russia, which have only grown since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Beijing has provided Moscow with diplomatic backing and boosted bilateral trade, helping cushion Russia from Western sanctions.
China Pledges $100 Million for Gaza Relief
Xi also announced a $100 million contribution to support ongoing humanitarian operations in Gaza, as well as the territory’s recovery and reconstruction. The pledge comes amid mounting international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Beijing Calls for ‘Mutual Trust’ With France
Highlighting the strategic nature of the relationship, Xi called for strengthening “political trust” and ensuring that both sides respect each other’s core interests.
“No matter how the external environment changes, both sides—as major powers—should always demonstrate independence and strategic vision,” Xi said.
He added that both nations must “show mutual understanding and mutual support on core matters and major critical issues.”
The Chinese leader also emphasized the need for Beijing and Paris to uphold multilateralism and “stand on the right side of history.”
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Engagement
Macron’s visit underscores Europe’s delicate balancing act: pushing China to use its influence over Russia while maintaining economic ties with one of its biggest trading partners. As France prepares to lead the G7, the success of this engagement could shape Western diplomatic strategy in 2026.