Macron sets Ukraine as top priority as China’s Xi Jinping pays a state visit to France

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron will seek to press China’s Xi Jinping to use his influence to move Russia toward ending the war in Ukraine during a two-day state visit to France. Both leaders were also expected to discuss trade disputes over electric cars, cognac and cosmetics.

Macron’s office said talks about diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia are a top priority for France. Discussions will also include the Middle East, trade issues and global challenges including climate change. The European Commission president will join part of the meetings to raise broader EU concerns.

France is the first stop on a European trip by Xi aimed at rebuilding relations at a time of global tensions. After France on Monday and Tuesday, the Chinese leader will head to Serbia and Hungary.

France hopes discussions will help convince China to use its leverage with Moscow to ‘’contribute to a resolution of the conflict” in Ukraine, according to a French presidential official. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced plans to visit China this month.

Macron will press Xi over supplies by Chinese companies supporting the Russian war effort despite EU sanctions, he said. China claims neutrality in the Ukraine conflict.

France also wants China to maintain a dialogue with Kyiv, the official, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to presidential policy, added.

Last year, Macron had appealed to Xi to “bring Russia to its senses” — but the call was not followed by any apparent change in Beijing’s stance.

“French authorities are pursuing two objectives that are ultimately contradictory,” Marc Julienne, director of the Center for Asian Studies at the French Institute of International