Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed readiness to “break new ground” and bolster ties with France following French President Emmanuel Macron’s significant visit to India. Macron’s visit, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, involved unveiling an ambitious defence roadmap and strengthening cooperation in the strategic Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
China has offered to increase French imports, emphasizing its commitment to consumer and investment market demand. Macron’s push for Europe to become a balancing force between the U.S. and China aligns with China’s prioritization of ties with France, recognizing its emergence as a key defence partner for India. China closely monitored Macron’s visit, as France strengthened its defence partnership with India amid global efforts to engage India as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.
The joint statement following Macron’s visit highlighted the cornerstone role of defence and security partnership in the India-France relationship in the Indo-Pacific region. This intensification of cooperation in India’s backyard raises concerns for China.