China's President Xi Jinping kicked off a two-day state visit at the French presidential palace on Monday (May 6), with discussions expected to centre&nbsp;on trade disputes and diplomatic initiatives to persuade&nbsp;Beijing to exert its influence to encourage Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.

In Paris, Xi initially participated in a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focussing on broader EU interests. Macron stated at the outset of the meeting that discussions would prioritise trade matters, aiming to guarantee "fair competition," before addressing the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“We are at a turning point in our history” as the Europe-China relationship is faced with challenges, Macron said.

The talks are aimed at sharing “both our shared positions and our concerns, to try to overcome them, because the future of our continent will very clearly also depend on our ability to develop balanced relations with China,” he said.

Macron, who strongly supports Europe's economic independence, wants to talk about French worries about China's investigation into whether to impose extra charges on cognac and other European brandy. He also wants to discuss tensions about French cosmetics and other industries. In a recent speech, he criticised both China and the United States for their trade practices, saying they both support protecting their own businesses and giving them subsidies.

At the start of the meeting in Paris, Xi said “the world today has entered a new period of turbulence and change.”

“As two important forces in the world, China and Europe should ... continuously make new contributions to world peace and development,” he said.

Also watch |&nbsp;China's Xi Jinping in France: Ukraine, trade and investment top agenda

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Xi is starting his trip in Paris, trying to fix relationships during a tense time worldwide. After France, he's going to Serbia and Hungary. France wants Xi to talk to Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. Russia's president plans to visit China soon.

Macron will ask Xi about Chinese companies helping Russia in the war, even though the EU said no. China says it's not taking sides in the Ukraine war, but France wants China to keep talking to Ukraine.

Last year, Macron asked Xi to talk to Russia, but nothing happened.

With France gearing up to host the Summer Olympics, Macron expressed his intention to urge Xi to leverage&nbsp;his influence to ensure that the Games become "a diplomatic moment of peace."

These discussions will be closely monitored from Washington, particularly as they precede President Joe Biden's anticipated state visit to France next month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/france-sets-record-for-worlds-longest-baguette-beats-italy-after-five-years-718411">Also read |&nbsp;France sets record for world’s longest baguette, beats Italy after five years</a>

Xi's visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic relations, following Macron's journey to China in April 2023. Macron stirred controversy during that trip by stating that France would not blindly align with the US&nbsp;in crises unrelated to its interests, seemingly alluding to China's aspirations for Taiwan's reunification.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping kicked off a two-day state visit at the French presidential palace on Monday (May 6), with discussions expected to centre on trade disputes and diplomatic initiatives to persuade Beijing to exert its influence to encourage Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.

China's President Xi Jinping kicked off a two-day state visit at the French presidential palace on Monday (May 6), with discussions expected to centre on trade disputes and diplomatic initiatives to persuade Beijing to exert its influence to encourage Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. In Paris, Xi initially participated in a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focussing on broader EU interests. Macron stated at the outset of the meeting that discussions would prioritise trade matters, aiming to guarantee "fair competition," before addressing the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “We are at a turning point in our history” as the Europe-China relationship is faced with challenges, Macron said. The talks are aimed at sharing “both our shared positions and our concerns, to try to overcome them, because the future of our continent will very clearly also depend on our ability to develop balanced relations with China,” he said. Macron, who strongly supports Europe's economic independence, wants to talk about French worries about China's investigation into whether to impose extra charges on cognac and other European brandy. He also wants to discuss tensions about French cosmetics and other industries. In a recent speech, he criticised both China and the United States for their trade practices, saying they both support protecting their own businesses and giving them subsidies. At the start of the meeting in Paris, Xi said “the world today has entered a new period of turbulence and change.” “As two important forces in the world, China and Europe should ... continuously make new contributions to world peace and development,” he said. Also watch | China's Xi Jinping in France: Ukraine, trade and investment top agenda Xi is starting his trip in Paris, trying to fix relationships during a tense time worldwide. After France, he's going to Serbia and Hungary. France wants Xi to talk to Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. Russia's president plans to visit China soon. Macron will ask Xi about Chinese companies helping Russia in the war, even though the EU said no. China says it's not taking sides in the Ukraine war, but France wants China to keep talking to Ukraine. Last year, Macron asked Xi to talk to Russia, but nothing happened. With France gearing up to host the Summer Olympics, Macron expressed his intention to urge Xi to leverage his influence to ensure that the Games become "a diplomatic moment of peace." These discussions will be closely monitored from Washington, particularly as they precede President Joe Biden's anticipated state visit to France next month. Also read | France sets record for world’s longest baguette, beats Italy after five years Xi's visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic relations, following Macron's journey to China in April 2023. Macron stirred controversy during that trip by stating that France would not blindly align with the US in crises unrelated to its interests, seemingly alluding to China's aspirations for Taiwan's reunification. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron prioritises trade and Ukraine talks as China’s Xi Jinping visits France

China's President Xi Jinping heads to Paris on Sunday for a rare visit, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron set to press him to reduce trade imbalances and try to convince him to use his influence on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Neither aim will be easily fulfilled during Xi's two-day stay in France, where he arrives at a time of growing trade tensions between Europe and China.

France is backing a European Union probe into Chinese electric vehicle exports and in January Beijing opened an investigation into imports of brandy - which is mostly made in France - a move widely seen as tit-for-tat retaliation amid a growing set of EU probes.

"We must continue to push Chinese authorities to give us more guarantees on trade issues," an Elysee advisor said ahead of Xi's visit, his first trip to Europe in five years.

Xi was due to arrive at around 4 p.m. (1400 GMT). His official meetings will include joint talks with Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Divisions within European Union's 27 members - and in particular between France and Germany - undermine their ability to influence China. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will not join Macron and Xi in Paris due to prior commitments, sources said.

"Leverage flies out the window if European leaders are sending different messages to Xi," said Noah Barkin, a senior adviser at the Rhodium Group and close follower of EU-China relations.

France will also seek to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and resolve issues around the French cosmetic industry's concerns about intellectual property rights, officials said.

Watch:&nbsp;China President Xi Jinping to travel to France, Hungary; first trip to Europe in last five years

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France has been keen to nudge China into pressuring Moscow to halt operations in Ukraine, with little progress so far, apart from Xi's decision to call Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time shortly after Macron visited Beijing last year.

"China being one of Russia's main partners, our objective is to use the leverages it has on Moscow to change Russia's calculations and help contribute to solving the conflict," the same Elysee adviser said.

A French diplomatic source said: "If the Chinese seek to deepen the relationship with European partners, it is really important that they hear our point of view and start taking it seriously."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjB6bL5kfaFAxUSxzgGHb3XB7MQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-visit-france-hungary-and-serbia-as-eu-trade-tariff-dispute-heats-up-717911" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-visit-france-hungary-and-serbia-as-eu-trade-tariff-dispute-heats-up-717911&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB6bL5kfaFAxUSxzgGHb3XB7MQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Xi Jinping to visit France, Hungary, and Serbia as EU trade tariff dispute heats up</a>

On Tuesday, Macron will take Xi to the Pyrenees, mountains he holds especially dear as his maternal grandmother's birthplace.

The gesture is meant as an echo of Xi's decision to take Macron to share a tea ceremony in the former residence of Xi's father in the city of Guangzhou.

"Macron is always in charm mode, he is trying to get foreign leaders on side by establishing a personal rapport with them," Barkin said.

"But I hope that he isn't under any illusions that bringing Xi to a place that is important to him from his childhood is going to bring Xi to tears and lead to compromises from Beijing."

Xi will leave France on Tuesday afternoon to head to Russia-friendly Serbia and Hungary.

China's President Xi Jinping heads to Paris on Sunday for a rare visit, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron set to press him to reduce trade imbalances and try to convince him to use his influence on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

China's President Xi Jinping heads to Paris on Sunday for a rare visit, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron set to press him to reduce trade imbalances and try to convince him to use his influence on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Neither aim will be easily fulfilled during Xi's two-day stay in France, where he arrives at a time of growing trade tensions between Europe and China. France is backing a European Union probe into Chinese electric vehicle exports and in January Beijing opened an investigation into imports of brandy - which is mostly made in France - a move widely seen as tit-for-tat retaliation amid a growing set of EU probes. "We must continue to push Chinese authorities to give us more guarantees on trade issues," an Elysee advisor said ahead of Xi's visit, his first trip to Europe in five years. Xi was due to arrive at around 4 p.m. (1400 GMT). His official meetings will include joint talks with Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Divisions within European Union's 27 members - and in particular between France and Germany - undermine their ability to influence China. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will not join Macron and Xi in Paris due to prior commitments, sources said. "Leverage flies out the window if European leaders are sending different messages to Xi," said Noah Barkin, a senior adviser at the Rhodium Group and close follower of EU-China relations. France will also seek to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and resolve issues around the French cosmetic industry's concerns about intellectual property rights, officials said. Watch: China President Xi Jinping to travel to France, Hungary; first trip to Europe in last five years × France has been keen to nudge China into pressuring Moscow to halt operations in Ukraine, with little progress so far, apart from Xi's decision to call Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time shortly after Macron visited Beijing last year. "China being one of Russia's main partners, our objective is to use the leverages it has on Moscow to change Russia's calculations and help contribute to solving the conflict," the same Elysee adviser said. A French diplomatic source said: "If the Chinese seek to deepen the relationship with European partners, it is really important that they hear our point of view and start taking it seriously." Also read: Xi Jinping to visit France, Hungary, and Serbia as EU trade tariff dispute heats up On Tuesday, Macron will take Xi to the Pyrenees, mountains he holds especially dear as his maternal grandmother's birthplace. The gesture is meant as an echo of Xi's decision to take Macron to share a tea ceremony in the former residence of Xi's father in the city of Guangzhou. "Macron is always in charm mode, he is trying to get foreign leaders on side by establishing a personal rapport with them," Barkin said. "But I hope that he isn't under any illusions that bringing Xi to a place that is important to him from his childhood is going to bring Xi to tears and lead to compromises from Beijing." Xi will leave France on Tuesday afternoon to head to Russia-friendly Serbia and Hungary.

Trade, Ukraine war top agenda as China's Xi heads to Paris to meet Macron

In an effort to mend ties strained by a European anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), France's top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, is set to embark on a crucial visit to China this week.

According to Bloomberg, the probe, initiated by the European Union in September, has ignited trade tensions, prompting concerns of a potential tariff war. Colonna aims to advocate for a balanced relationship that respects EU sovereignty, emphasising the need to navigate these issues without jeopardising access to China's market.

French car manufacturers Stellantis NV and Renault SA are facing challenges due to increased imports of affordable EVs from China, where government support provides a competitive edge. In response, France is expected to introduce new criteria for EV support next month, likely excluding China-made vehicles based on their carbon footprint.

"The visit of Catherine Colonna is a pivotal moment as France has been at the forefront of advocating for a more assertive approach to China. The EU investigation into Chinese EVs has heightened tensions, and it's crucial to find common ground," Bloomberg quoted a diplomatic source as saying. The visit comes amid a series of high-profile European visits to Beijing, with Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel set to hold the first in-person summit with Chinese leadership in four years.

Beyond the EV tensions, France is also grappling with concerns over intellectual property rights for cosmetics giants such as LVMH and L’Oreal SA. China's request for detailed data from manufacturing processes to formula compositions has raised alarm.

Colonna's two-day visit, starting Thursday, is expected to address these concerns, along with broader geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and North Korea’s support for Russia.

"The diplomatic efforts are crucial in managing not only the trade tensions related to EVs but also addressing broader geopolitical challenges. Colonna's discussions on cultural and scientific cooperation agreements and facilitating visas for Chinese businesspeople highlight the multifaceted nature of the diplomatic mission," an official in Macron's office told Bloomberg.

The visit comes after a phone call between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping, where the Chinese leader expressed a welcome for more French investment. Xi's potential visit to France next year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, adds another dimension to the diplomatic landscape.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

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In an effort to mend ties strained by a European anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), France's top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, is set to embark on a crucial visit to China this week.

In an effort to mend ties strained by a European anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), France's top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, is set to embark on a crucial visit to China this week. According to Bloomberg, the probe, initiated by the European Union in September, has ignited trade tensions, prompting concerns of a potential tariff war. Colonna aims to advocate for a balanced relationship that respects EU sovereignty, emphasising the need to navigate these issues without jeopardising access to China's market. French car manufacturers Stellantis NV and Renault SA are facing challenges due to increased imports of affordable EVs from China, where government support provides a competitive edge. In response, France is expected to introduce new criteria for EV support next month, likely excluding China-made vehicles based on their carbon footprint. "The visit of Catherine Colonna is a pivotal moment as France has been at the forefront of advocating for a more assertive approach to China. The EU investigation into Chinese EVs has heightened tensions, and it's crucial to find common ground," Bloomberg quoted a diplomatic source as saying. The visit comes amid a series of high-profile European visits to Beijing, with Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel set to hold the first in-person summit with Chinese leadership in four years. Beyond the EV tensions, France is also grappling with concerns over intellectual property rights for cosmetics giants such as LVMH and L’Oreal SA. China's request for detailed data from manufacturing processes to formula compositions has raised alarm. Colonna's two-day visit, starting Thursday, is expected to address these concerns, along with broader geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and North Korea’s support for Russia. "The diplomatic efforts are crucial in managing not only the trade tensions related to EVs but also addressing broader geopolitical challenges. Colonna's discussions on cultural and scientific cooperation agreements and facilitating visas for Chinese businesspeople highlight the multifaceted nature of the diplomatic mission," an official in Macron's office told Bloomberg. The visit comes after a phone call between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping, where the Chinese leader expressed a welcome for more French investment. Xi's potential visit to France next year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, adds another dimension to the diplomatic landscape. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French diplomat heads to China amid EV tensions. Here are the details

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France.

The plant will initially employ 300 people, growing to 500 in the longer term, and its products will go to Huawei's European clients.

The plant is part of efforts to ease worldwide concerns stoked by US charges, repeatedly denied by Huawei, that Beijing could use the company's equipment for spying.

The Chinese technology company, which had already floated plans for a French factory, said in March it would persevere regardless of whether the French government cracked down on telecoms companies using its equipment.

France has not banned mobile phone operators from using Huawei equipment outright. It had, however, told telecoms companies planning to buy firm's 5G equipment that they would not be able to renew licences for the gear once they expired, effectively phasing it out of mobile networks.

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France.

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France. The plant will initially employ 300 people, growing to 500 in the longer term, and its products will go to Huawei's European clients. The plant is part of efforts to ease worldwide concerns stoked by US charges, repeatedly denied by Huawei, that Beijing could use the company's equipment for spying. The Chinese technology company, which had already floated plans for a French factory, said in March it would persevere regardless of whether the French government cracked down on telecoms companies using its equipment. France has not banned mobile phone operators from using Huawei equipment outright. It had, however, told telecoms companies planning to buy firm's 5G equipment that they would not be able to renew licences for the gear once they expired, effectively phasing it out of mobile networks.

Huawei to build network equipment factory in France

Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed condolences over the death of former French President&nbsp;Valery Giscard d'Estaing on Friday. Jinping&nbsp;called the former French President a "remarkable French statesman".&nbsp;

Valery Giscard d'Estaing was aged 94 and died on his estate after losing a battle to the novel coronavirus. Xi expressed "deep condolences" to the Frenc President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron. He also reminisced about how Giscard had always "loved Chinese culture".

He "actively encouraged friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and France, and greatly contributed to the development of relations between the two countries," Jinping said adding, "an important promoter of European integration."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-french-president-giscard-destaing-dies-of-covid-complications-347073">Former French president Giscard d'Estaing dies of Covid complications</a>

Giscard was the leader of the European country from&nbsp;1974 to 1981 and was a centre-right politician. He had been recently admitted to a hospital in&nbsp;Tours after complaints of respiratory problems.&nbsp;

"His state of health had worsened and he died as a consequence of Covid-19," his family reported on the social media platform, Twitter.

Giscard's funeral will take place in a private ceremony,&nbsp;Foundation Valéry Giscard d’Estaing said.&nbsp;"In accordance with his wishes, his funeral will take place in the strictest family intimacy," the foundation tweeted.

The French President Emmanuel Macron also paid respects to the former President saying he was a "servant of the state, a politician of progress and freedom."

Xi's condolences for Giscard were passed on remembering his visit&nbsp;for the first time as president in 1980, just as the country was beginning to open up to the outside world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed condolences over the death of former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing on Friday. Jinping called the former French President a "remarkable French statesman".

Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed condolences over the death of former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing on Friday. Jinping called the former French President a "remarkable French statesman". Valery Giscard d'Estaing was aged 94 and died on his estate after losing a battle to the novel coronavirus. Xi expressed "deep condolences" to the Frenc President Emmanuel Macron. He also reminisced about how Giscard had always "loved Chinese culture". He "actively encouraged friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and France, and greatly contributed to the development of relations between the two countries," Jinping said adding, "an important promoter of European integration." Also read| Former French president Giscard d'Estaing dies of Covid complications Giscard was the leader of the European country from 1974 to 1981 and was a centre-right politician. He had been recently admitted to a hospital in Tours after complaints of respiratory problems. "His state of health had worsened and he died as a consequence of Covid-19," his family reported on the social media platform, Twitter. Giscard's funeral will take place in a private ceremony, Foundation Valéry Giscard d’Estaing said. "In accordance with his wishes, his funeral will take place in the strictest family intimacy," the foundation tweeted. The French President Emmanuel Macron also paid respects to the former President saying he was a "servant of the state, a politician of progress and freedom." Xi's condolences for Giscard were passed on remembering his visit for the first time as president in 1980, just as the country was beginning to open up to the outside world.

China's Xi sends condolences over death of former French president