Macron says China has ‘main role’ in path to Ukraine peace
“GENERAL PROGRAM”
The US and French presidents also hope to “gain from China a contribution to the global effort of North-South solidarity” and build “a common agenda” on climate and biodiversity. .
Macron landed in Beijing at around 3:15 p.m. (7:15 GMT) and, after soaking up the capital’s throbbing spring air under overcast skies, was greeted on the tarmac by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. as the soldiers watched.
He will hold talks on Thursday with Xi and other Chinese leaders and attend a state dinner in the evening.
On Friday, he will travel to Guangzhou in southern China to meet with local students, accompanied by him a delegation that includes top politicians, business leaders and even including celebrities, including composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
Macron’s visit coincides with a brief meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California on Wednesday.
Beijing has said it will “closely monitor the situation and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity”, warning McCarthy that he will “play with fire” when he meets Tsai.
China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory that will one day be taken by force if necessary.
Also visiting Beijing this week is the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who met Macron in Paris on Monday to coordinate preparations.
In a speech last week, Von der Leyen warned Beijing of direct support for the war in Ukraine, while dismissing the possibility of the European Union “decoupling” from China.
