Overview
- Macron closed his fourth state trip to China on Friday after pointed talks in Beijing focused on the war in Ukraine and trade imbalances.
- Xi signaled readiness to increase reciprocal investments as both sides signed a letter of intent aimed at a fairer trading environment.
- In Chengdu, Xi hosted the French presidential couple at Mount Qingcheng in a personalized gesture following Macron’s 2024 Pyrenees hospitality.
- Brigitte Macron planned to visit the city’s giant panda research base to see Yuan Meng, the first giant panda born in France, after two older pandas returned from France.
- Beijing maintains it does not supply Russia’s defense industry despite Western accusations, as Macron pressed for efforts to help end the war.