Key Highlights
- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on December 4, 2025.
- The Tianjin project of Airbus is set to contribute 20 percent of the A320 family’s global capacity.
- Both countries agreed to enhance political trust and expand cooperation in traditional areas like aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy.
- A recent CGTN poll found strong support for economic cooperation between China and France among their citizens.
Renewed Commitment: Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron Meet in Beijing
In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at the Great Hall of the People on December 4, 2025. This visit marked their fourth state meeting since 2019, underscoring the strong bilateral relations between China and France.
Expansion of Cooperation in Aerospace
During their talks, Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of cooperation in traditional sectors such as aviation and aerospace. Airbus, the European aerospace giant, has taken a significant step forward by inaugurating its second final assembly line for the A320 family aircraft in Tianjin, China. This project is expected to boost the production capacity by 20 percent, marking a substantial development in Sino-European industrial partnerships.
Strategic Vision and Independence
Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic vision and independence as major world powers. Xi Jinping stressed that China and France should always offer each other understanding and support on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, regardless of external pressures. This commitment is reflected in their willingness to deepen cooperation across multiple domains.
Economic Cooperation and Investment
The bilateral trade between China and France reached $68.75 billion from January to October 2025, marking a 4.1 percent increase year on year. Additionally, two-way cumulative investment exceeded $27 billion, highlighting the growing economic interdependence of both nations.
Support for Multilateralism
In line with their shared commitment to multilateralism and a multipolar world order, Xi Jinping stated that China and France should act responsibly and uphold the principles of dialogue and cooperation. Macron echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of strategic autonomy in promoting sound and stable Europe-China relations.
Conclusion
The renewed focus on collaboration between China and France reflects a deepening partnership that is not only beneficial to both nations but also contributes positively to the global landscape. As they continue to explore new areas of cooperation, such as green economy, digital technology, and biomedicine, the future looks promising for Sino-French relations.
