Overview

• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is in Beijing for discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Ukraine, trade issues, and fostering Franco-Chinese cooperation.
• Barrot emphasized the need for a 'powerful Franco-Chinese partnership' to address geopolitical instability and global challenges during a speech to students in Beijing.
• China reiterated its intention to deepen cooperation and consolidate political trust with France during the visit, which includes economic engagements in Shanghai.
• Barrot's visit seeks to gauge China's stance on Ukraine ahead of a French-hosted peacekeeping meeting, as France continues to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
• France has raised concerns over China's trade practices, which it claims create unfair advantages and significant trade surpluses, while also addressing China's alignment with Russia.