French President Emmanuel Macron has started a three-day visit to China, where he is expected to confront thorny issues including Europe’s trade with Beijing and the Ukraine war.
On Wednesday evening, Macron landed in Beijing at the start of his fourth visit to China, which will also include a trip to the southwestern city of Chengdu.
He was given a red-carpet welcome by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with whom he had a brief exchange of words.
The French leader is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip, which runs until Friday. He will also meet Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the head of the national legislature.
Macron was accompanied by a delegation of more than 80 people, including nearly 40 chief executives from sectors ranging from energy to aviation.
The visit comes at a time of rising trade tensions between the European Union and China.
