BEIJING, Dec 4 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, seeking stronger commercial ties, as the European Union prepares to toughen up its trade rules. A large business delegation is accompanying Macron on his fourth state visit to the world's second-largest economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly meet the press after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2025. Xi held talks with Macron, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Emmanuel Macron risked sparking a fresh diplomatic row between Europe and Washington after claiming that Donald Trump may “betray” Ukraine during peace negotiations, according to a leaked transcript of a call between European leaders.

During a state visit, the French president urged President Xi Jinping to take a harsher stance on Russia and smooth out trade imbalances. Despite signing 12 agreements, Xi’s remained noncommittal on these larger questions.

Right-wing opponents and the increasingly influential conservative media empire controlled by Vincent Bolloré oppose the president's efforts.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing Wednesday night and is expected to focus on trade talks and global crises during his three-day visit.

France is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Christophe Gleizes, the French sports journalist handed a seven-year prison sentence in Algeria, with President Emmanuel Macron

BEIJING, Dec 4 (Reuters) - China's President Xi Jinping met French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday, the French leader's fourth state visit to the Chinese capital as Europe seeks to rebalance economic and security threats from the world's second-largest economy.