Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled with French President Emmanuel Macron to the southwestern city of Chengdu on Friday, a rare move that underscored Beijing’s particular emphasis on its relationship with Paris within the wider European Union.
French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visit the Dujiangyan site, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, as part of a three-day visit to China, December 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool
The visit marked an unusual departure from typical protocol, as Xi seldom accompanies foreign leaders outside the capital. Macron, on his fourth state trip to China, began his day with an early-morning jog through Jincheng Lake Park, surprising local runners, according to videos circulating on Chinese social media.
The two leaders later toured the Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has controlled water flow around Chengdu since the 3rd century B.C., Chinese state media reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visit the Dujiangyan site, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, as part of a three-day visit to China, December 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool
As reported in Reuters, their meeting in Beijing on Thursday resulted in 12 cooperation agreements spanning issues such as population ageing, nuclear energy and panda conservation. While no financial commitments were disclosed, Macron arrived with senior executives from major French companies, signaling an economic dimension to the visit.
However, Xi was not expected to approve a long-discussed order for 500 Airbus jets. Analysts say Beijing is avoiding major commitments that could weaken its leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with Washington, where the U.S. is pushing for fresh Boeing purchase agreements.
