China’s Xi gets warm welcome in Paris at start of Europe tour, but tensions on trade and Russia persist

(Left to right) French First Lady Brigitte Macron, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan walk together at the end of the official welcoming ceremony at the Hotel national des Invalides in Paris, France, on May 6, 2024. The Chinese President arrived on an official two-day state visit hosted by the French President, where the French leader will seek to push his counterpart on issues ranging from Ukraine to trade.

(From left) French First Lady Brigitte Macron, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan walk together at the end of an official welcome ceremony in Paris.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Jonathan Eyal

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LONDON – Chinese President Xi Jinping received a lavish reception in France at the start of his first European visit since the pandemic.

He was met at Orly airport in Paris on May 5 by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal – an honour the Chinese did not similarly bestow on French President Emmanuel Macron on

his visit to China a year ago.

China’s Xi gets warm welcome in Paris at start of Europe tour, but tensions on trade and Russia persist

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