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Xi Accompanies Macron at Sichuan Heritage Site, Signaling Warmer ChinaFrance Ties

Beijing paired conspicuous hospitality with pledges on security priorities, issuing joint statements on Ukraine, Palestine, climate.

Overview

  • Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan welcomed Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at Dujiangyan in Chengdu, where the couples strolled together and shared lunch.
  • China and France released multiple joint statements on Dec. 5 covering Ukraine, the Palestine issue and climate change cooperation.
  • Following their Dec. 4 talks in Beijing, Xi said the two sides agreed to understand and support each other's core interests and major concerns, language widely linked to Taiwan.
  • The China Wildlife Protection Association signed a letter of intent with a French zoo to extend panda cooperation, with a new breeding pair planned for 2027 after two current pandas are returned.
  • Chinese media and observers highlighted that Xi’s personal accompaniment of an overseas leader is rare, reading it as an effort to elevate ties with France and engage Europe more constructively.