China and France continue to show how cooperation between two major economies can create shared benefits across multiple sectors. This was highlighted again during French President Emmanuel Macron’s latest state visit to Beijing, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening exchanges and supporting long-term collaboration.
A symbol of this growing partnership is Airbus’ second final assembly line for A320 family aircraft in Tianjin. The site, inaugurated in October, is expected to handle about one-fifth of global production for the aircraft series. The project’s foundations were strengthened in April 2023 when a key framework agreement was signed in the presence of President Xi Jinping and President Macron, marking a milestone in the aviation relationship between the two countries.
During their talks in Beijing, President Xi said China and France should continue to expand areas of cooperation and work together with a sense of mutual trust. He noted that regardless of changes in the international environment, both sides should maintain the strategic perspective and independence expected from major global players. Macron said France attaches great importance to relations with China and will continue to support the one-China policy while seeking deeper cooperation.
Economic ties between the two countries remain strong. From January to October 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly seventy billion dollars, rising more than four percent from the previous year. China is France’s largest trading partner in Asia, and France ranks among China’s top partners within the European Union. Investment links have also grown, with more than twenty-seven billion dollars recorded in cumulative two-way investment.
China’s upcoming development blueprint under its Fifteenth Five-Year Plan outlines new cooperation opportunities in areas such as green economy, digital technology, aerospace, nuclear energy, biomedicine, new energy, and artificial intelligence. Xi said France and China should use these opportunities to unlock further potential and maintain a positive momentum in traditional and emerging fields. Macron responded that France welcomes more Chinese companies and will continue to offer a fair and open business environment.
Cultural and educational ties also contribute to the relationship’s strength. More than six thousand French students visited China last year for exchange programs during the China France Year of Culture and Tourism, which also marked six decades of diplomatic relations.
Both leaders stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation at a time of global uncertainty. Xi said China and France are responsible and visionary partners that can help guide the international community through major global changes. Macron said Europe should maintain dialogue with China and work toward strategic autonomy while supporting stable Europe-China relations.
Analysts note that the ability of China and France to manage differences, uphold dialogue and continue expanding cooperation provides stability at a time when many regions face geopolitical tension.
