French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his appreciation for China's commitment to refrain from selling weapons to Russia during bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris. As global tensions rise over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Macron emphasized the importance of maintaining a close dialogue with Beijing and coordinating efforts to promote peace.

Speaking alongside President Xi Jinping and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Macron acknowledged the historical ties between China and Russia while stressing the need to strictly control the exportation of dual-usage goods with potential military applications. He thanked President Xi for visiting France to discuss a coordinated approach ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China.

Macron made it clear that Western powers, including France and EU member states, were committed to supporting Ukraine and ending Russia's aggressive actions. EU chief von der Leyen urged China to utilize its influence on Russia to put an end to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis through peaceful negotiations.

In response, President Xi affirmed China's positive role in seeking a solution to the Ukraine crisis and rejected any attempts to blame third countries or instigate a new cold war. He expressed support for an international peace conference involving Russia and Ukraine, backing Macron's proposal for a truce in all global conflicts during the Paris Olympics this summer.

While trade tensions between China and the EU have increased in recent years, President Xi called for continued partnership between Beijing and Brussels. Macron echoed Xi's sentiment, emphasizing the need to coordinate on major crises, including Ukraine and the Middle East. He also stressed the importance of fair rules for Europe-China trade and the future development of balanced relations.

However, concerns were also voiced regarding China's market distortion practices. Von der Leyen highlighted the issue of state subsidies in industries such as electric vehicles and steel, which she believes could lead to the de-industrialization of Europe. She called for a comprehensive examination of these practices and stressed the need to address current market imbalances.

Efforts to strengthen the resilience of EU supply chains were also emphasized, with the European Commission considering possible tariffs on Chinese electric cars. Despite these concerns, von der Leyen clarified that the EU is not seeking to decouple from China, recognizing the value of continued engagement and cooperation.

As President Xi Jinping concluded his visit to France, he expressed his commitment to maintaining strategic and long-term relations with Europe, with the continent being a priority in China's foreign policy. Xi will continue his diplomatic engagements with visits to Hungary and Serbia in the coming days.

The outcome of the talks between Macron and Xi demonstrates the significance of international cooperation in addressing global conflicts and trade challenges. The commitment from China to restrict arms sales to Russia is a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in the region.