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Xi, Macron urge Ukraine cease-fire, back two-state path for Mideast

05.12.2025 13:00
China’s Xi Jinping and France’s Emmanuel Macron called for a Ukraine cease-fire and endorsed a two-state solution as the only credible route to lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace, a joint statement said.
Frances President Emmanuel Macron (R) gestures towards children next to Chinas President Xi Jinping (L) during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 04 December 2025.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (R) gestures towards children next to China’s President Xi Jinping (L) during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 04 December 2025. Photo: EPA/ADEK BERRY

China and France, both U.N. Security Council members, said they support efforts to restore peace “based on international law” and the U.N. Charter, and stressed resolving disputes through dialogue.

Beijing has repeatedly urged a halt to the war without criticizing Moscow, opposes sanctions on Russia, and has expanded cooperation with it.

On the Middle East, Paris and Beijing recognized a two-state solution as the way to durable peace. China, which recognized a Palestinian state in 1988, welcomed what it described as France’s similar decision in September.

The leaders voiced satisfaction with a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in force since Oct. 10 and condemned “all acts of terrorist violence and mass attacks on civilians.”

Macron ended his fourth China trip in Chengdu, with Xi hosting him in an informal setting. His program included a visit to the Dujiangyan irrigation system, meetings at Sichuan University, and a stop by French table tennis players.

State media framed the visit as deepening a strategic partnership, praising France’s “strategic autonomy” and warning Europe against protectionism and economic decoupling.

(jh)

Source: PAP