Storyline: Chinese President Xi holds talks with French President Macron [Voice_over] An honor guard lined up in salute... A 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for President Macron and Madame Brigitte at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders reviewed the troops as the national anthems were played. During the talks, President Xi called China and France independent major powers and constructive forces in building a multipolar world. With global changes accelerating and humanity at a crossroads, he called on both countries to show leadership, uphold multilateralism, and stand firmly on the right side of history. President Xi said despite a changing international environment, China and France should continue to support each other on core interests, and strengthen the political foundation of bilateral ties. Xi pointed to China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan as a new source of opportunities for cooperation. The Chinese president called on both sides to expand collaboration in key areas including aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy, while exploring new partnerships in the green economy, digital economy, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. He said China is willing to import more high-quality French products, and welcomes more French companies to invest in China, while hoping France will offer a fair and stable environment for Chinese businesses. He also stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in culture, education, science, and local exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties. President Xi warned that global instability is growing and conflicts are becoming more complex. He said China and France are both UN Security Council members, and should uphold multilateralism and work together to safeguard peace and improve global governance. President Xi highlighted the need to address North–South imbalances and make the global economic system fairer and more inclusive. He also warned against “decoupling” and protectionism, urging China and Europe to stay committed to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. President Macron said France values its relationship with China, firmly adheres to the One-China principle, and is committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership. He welcomed China’s economic growth and openness, and said France is ready to expand cooperation in trade, renewable energy, and investment, while providing a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies. Macron also stressed the importance of a stable China-EU relationship based on dialogue and strategic autonomy, and said France is willing to work with China to uphold multilateralism, and strengthen cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, and AI governance. The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. President Xi said China supports all efforts conducive to peace, and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the crisis in its own way. China supports European countries in playing their proper role in building a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture. After the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in areas including nuclear energy, agriculture and food, education, and ecological environment protection. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]