Videos shared on Chinese social media showed French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by aides and bodyguards, jogging in a park in Chengdu, Sichuan province, southwestern China. Macron wore a long-sleeved shirt and shorts, waving to onlookers.
He also gave a thumbs-up to people, conveying a relaxed and friendly demeanor.
President Macron arrived in China on 3/12, beginning a three-day state visit. This fourth visit to China for Macron aimed to solidify support for a ceasefire in Ukraine and attract further investment from Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Macron in Chengdu. This rare move highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in managing relations with the European Union. France is Europe's second largest economy.
The two leaders then visited Dujiangyan, an irrigation system that has regulated water flow around Chengdu since the 3rd century BC.
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From left to right: French First Lady Brigitte Macron, French President Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Dujiangyan, Sichuan on 5/12. Photo: AFP |
During their meeting in Beijing on 4/12, the two leaders reached 12 cooperation agreements on issues such as population aging, nuclear energy, and panda conservation.
Leaders of several top French companies accompanied Macron on this visit to China. However, Chinese officials are reportedly unlikely to approve an order for 500 French Airbus aircraft, as such a move would weaken Beijing's leverage in trade negotiations with the United States. Washington is pressing Beijing to commit to purchasing new Boeing aircraft.
Huyen Le (According to Global Times, Reuters)
