As French President Emmanuel Macron concludes his fourth state visit to China this week, bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Paris emerges as a stabilizing force in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. The inauguration of Airbus' second A320 assembly line in Tianjin – now contributing 20% of the family's global capacity – exemplifies the tangible results of this partnership.
During Thursday's talks at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized leveraging China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) to expand collaboration in aviation, AI, and green energy. Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to the one-China policy while advocating for enhanced EU-China dialogue.
Economic ties continue flourishing, with bilateral trade reaching $68.75 billion from January to October 2025 – a 4.1% year-on-year increase. Over 6,000 French students participated in cultural exchanges during last year's China-France Tourism Year, coinciding with 60 years of diplomatic relations.
A recent CGTN poll reveals strong public support for deepened cooperation, with 77.8% of respondents believing bilateral collaboration significantly influences global affairs. Analysts highlight the partners' shared commitment to multilateralism, particularly in addressing climate challenges and maintaining international supply chain stability.
As both nations navigate complex global transformations, their ability to balance economic pragmatism with strategic autonomy continues setting precedents for North-South cooperation. With new agreements in aerospace and renewable energy sectors expected in early 2026, this partnership remains crucial for shaping 21st-century multilateral frameworks.
