China and France highlighted growing China-France relations as President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Sichuan on Friday to advance diplomatic cooperation and strategic dialogue. The leaders held talks in Dujiangyan, a symbolic location tied to Chinese culture and engineering history, underscoring how China-France relations now include cultural, political and economic dimensions.
President Xi and President Macron arrived in Chengdu with their spouses and began their meeting with a walk along Yangong Path beside the historic Dujiangyan irrigation system. They later shared tea at Huaigu Pavilion and discussed global challenges, cultural heritage and future cooperation. Observers said the setting reinforced the importance of China-France relations in today’s shifting international landscape.
Xi described Dujiangyan as a living example of sustainable development and historical ingenuity. He said the project demonstrated how societies could advance through innovation and respect for natural conditions. Macron praised the system as remarkable engineering that reflected both wisdom and resilience.
Both leaders emphasized that China and France share deep cultural roots and long histories as global civilizations. Xi said cultural confidence supports national strength, while Macron stated that collaboration between major cultural powers can help shape global progress. Their comments reflected how China-France relations now extend beyond trade or diplomacy into long-term cultural understanding.
The meeting came as geopolitical tensions continue reshaping alliances and trade patterns. Because of this environment, both leaders agreed that cooperation remains essential for stability and conflict prevention. Macron stated that communication and diplomacy should guide responses to global crises.
During the visit, both sides issued multiple joint statements covering environmental cooperation, agricultural and food industry exchanges, nuclear energy development and global governance. They also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and unrest across the Middle East.
Analysts say the trip strengthened momentum ahead of future bilateral milestones. Chinese officials noted that both governments will maintain frequent communication to expand cooperation throughout the coming year. They added that deeper China-France relations may create additional opportunities across culture, technology and sustainable development.
Senior official Wang Yi attended the discussions and the lunch hosted by Xi and Peng Liyuan.
