Macron signals French interest in China’s New Silk Road ambitions
French leader seeks more balanced trade with China as well as joint efforts on global issues such as climate change
French President Emmanuel Macron signalled his country’s interest in Beijing’s massive New Silk Road plans, starting his three-day visit in the ancient capital of Xian but also calling for more balanced trade with China.
In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later on Monday, Macron said France would like to take part in China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”, offering support for Xi’s plans to revive land and sea trade routes connecting Asia and Europe via massive infrastructure projects.
Macron said France would also work with China on global challenges such as climate change.
Xi said the world was facing great uncertainties and China would work closely with France on big international issues. It would also “strengthen cooperation under the framework of the belt and road”.
“China and France can achieve in the new era,” state-run China Central Television quoted Xi as saying.