©️RFI
Beijing, 4 December 2025.– On an official visit to China on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron once again tried to convince his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to play a more active role in the search for a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. Despite these diplomatic steps, the Chinese leader reaffirmed the traditional Beijing line, marked by a claim of neutrality and a refusal to engage directly.
During their meeting at the People's Palace, a high symbolic place of Chinese power, Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for Franco-Chinese cooperation in order to « work together for global peace and stability ». He recalled the particular responsibility of the major Powers in promoting dialogue, multilateralism and respect for international law, making explicit reference to war in Ukraine.
Faced with these calls, Xi Jinping did not change his position. The Chinese President reiterated that his country was not involved in the conflict, while calling for a political and peaceful solution. Beijing continues to maintain indirect political support for Russia, without condemning the invasion of Ukraine or changing its diplomatic strategy.
The meeting, also attended by First Ladies Brigitte Macron and Peng Liyuan, was part of a broader framework for strengthening bilateral relations between France and China. However, it highlighted the persistent differences between Paris and Beijing in the management of major international crises, the first of which was the Ukrainian conflict.
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