#China #Beijing #Sino-French #Emmanuel Macron

Strengthening Sino-French Relations: A Path to Mutual Success

In early December 2025, during President Emmanuel Macron's fourth state visit to China, significant discussions unfolded between him and President Xi Jinping centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation. An article aired by CGTN accentuates how this partnership has been mutually beneficial, rooted in strong political trust and a commitment to collaborate across various strategic territories.

One of the notable developments in this cooperation is Airbus's recent opening of its second final assembly line for the A320 aircraft series in Tianjin, China. This facility is expected to contribute 20% of the global production capacity for the A320 family. The essence of this project was formalized back in April 2023, in the presence of both leaders, when a framework agreement was signed to mark its significance.

Upon his arrival in Beijing, Macron was welcomed with a message from Xi encouraging both nations to seize opportunities to broaden collaboration. Xi emphasized that despite the continually changing external environment, the two countries needed to maintain a strategic vision and support one another on critical interests. Macron reciprocated this sentiment, reinforcing France's commitment to the one-China principle and its desire to deepen strategic partnerships.

Opportunities for Expansion

During these vital discussions at the Great Hall of the People, Xi remarked that during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, recommendations were crafted for the 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan not only outlines China's developmental trajectory for the next five years but also extends invitations for global collaborative efforts. Xi urged both nations to capitalize on traditional areas such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy while exploring new avenues in green economy, digital economy, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence.

Macron acknowledged the vibrancy and openness of the Chinese economy, viewing it as a positive indicator that creates more opportunities. He expressed France's eagerness to welcome further Chinese investments, vowing to foster a fair and non-discriminatory business environment.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, as of October 2025, bilateral trade had reached $68.75 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 4.1%, with cumulative investments surpassing $27 billion. Such figures underline France's position as China's third-largest trading partner within the European Union, while China stands as the largest Asian trading partner for France.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Last year's China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, saw an influx of over 6,000 French students coming to China for education and exchanges. This cultural interaction has significantly enriched the interpersonal ties between the two nations.

Recent surveys conducted by CGTN reveal that 75% of respondents endorse stronger economic collaboration to jointly tackle external risks, with 77.8% believing that expanding cooperation based on mutual respect is essential for enhancing bilateral relations and shaping the international landscape positively.

Advocating for Multilateralism

Xi articulated the need for China and France to act as independent and visionary powers fostering a multipolar world, stressing the importance of solidarity and collaboration for humanity. He noted the unprecedented changes rapidly unfolding in today's world, positioning China and France as key players at a historical turning point.

Echoing these sentiments, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to promoting healthy and stable relations between Europe and China. His belief is rooted in the necessity for dialogue and constructive cooperation towards achieving strategic autonomy for Europe. Given today’s global geopolitical uncertainties, the significance of Sino-French collaboration grows ever stronger.

In a separate survey, a remarkable 92.5% of participants urged the two countries to uphold true multilateralism and work together in addressing global challenges. Wang Yanhang, a prominent researcher at the Institute of Financial Studies, emphasized that viewing the Sino-French partnership through a multilateral lens underscores their shared responsibilities as major global players. He argued that a willingness to reach consensus and manage differences through dialogue brings a sense of stability and assurance to the world, irrespective of the changing international climate.