Xi urges Chinese-French 'solidarity and cooperation' in call with Macron

President Xi Jinping urged China and France to "strengthen solidarity and cooperation" and told counterpart Emmanuel Macron he was ready to work "hand in hand with Europe", Chinese state media reported Thursday.

China and France should "strengthen solidarity and cooperation", Xi told Macron in a call, adding that China was "willing to work hand in hand with Europe to address global challenges", state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Macron for his part said he told his Chinese counterpart that companies from both countries "must enjoy fair competition."

"Chinese investment is welcome in France. But our companies must enjoy fair competition in both countries," Macron wrote on X following talks with Xi. "We agreed to move forward as quickly as possible on the issue of cognac, which is essential for our producers."