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Macron Presses Xi on Ukraine, Trade as 12 Deals Are Signed in Beijing

Twelve cooperation deals were unveiled, with no specific pledges on pressuring Russia or easing trade frictions.

Overview

  • Macron urged Xi to help secure at least a Ukraine ceasefire, including a moratorium on strikes against critical infrastructure, while China restated support for dialogue without new commitments.
  • Both sides announced 12 agreements spanning nuclear energy, aerospace and aeronautics, agriculture and food, higher education and research, environmental cooperation, population ageing and panda conservation.
  • Beijing did not confirm a long-anticipated 500‑jet Airbus purchase and offered no relief on minimum price rules for French brandy, with no movement expected on EU pork duties.
  • Xi signaled openness to import more French goods and called for a fair business environment for Chinese firms in France, as Paris seeks greater market access for wine, pork, poultry and beef.
  • The talks unfolded against persistent EUChina trade tensions and large deficits for Europe and France, with Macron pushing for economic rebalancing as France prepares to chair the G7 in 2026.