French President Emmanuel Macron visited the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Mixed Team World Cup 2025 in Chengdu on 5/12. During his visit, he met with both the French and Chinese national teams.
Wang Liqin, president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), introduced President Macron to the Chinese national team members: Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Lin Shidong. The coach of the French team also presented his delegation members to the president.
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sorling presented President Macron with a racket. He then used it to play an exhibition match with members of the Chinese national team.
French president plays exhibition table tennis with members of the Chinese national team in Chengdu on 5/12. *Video: X/PakTV*
President Macron's engagement in Chengdu was part of a three-day state visit to China, which began on 3/12. This marks his fourth visit to China, an opportunity to garner support for a ceasefire in Ukraine and attract further investment from Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied President Macron to Chengdu, a rare gesture that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in managing its relationship with the European Union. France stands as Europe's second-largest economy.
During a meeting in Beijing on 4/12, leaders of both nations finalized 12 cooperation agreements. These agreements address various issues, including aging populations, nuclear energy, and panda conservation.
*Global Times, Xinhua*
