French President Emmanuel Macron spoke today to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, at the start of his official visit to France, in favor of “equal rules for all” in trade between Europe and China.

Xi Jinping is visiting Europe for the first time in five years at a time of rising trade tensions, with the European Union investigating several Chinese industries, including electric vehicle exports, while Beijing is mainly investigating imports of French-made brandy.

While welcoming China’s president, Emmanuel Macron told Xi Jinping that we must ensure a level playing field for all players, Reuters reported.

At the same time, Macron emphasized that the international situation makes the EU-China dialogue more important than ever and that both Ukraine and the Middle East will be at the center of the discussion. “It is important to coordinate on these issues,” added the French president.

The meeting is also attended by the president of the European Commission, who thanked Emmanuel Macron for hosting the talks.

“I’m glad to see you again,” said Ursula von der Leyen to Xi Jinping.

“The European Union and China want good relations and given China’s global weight, our commitment is crucial to ensure mutual respect, avoid misunderstandings and find solutions to global challenges,” said the Commission president.

“Both China and the European Union share a common interest in peace and security and the effective functioning of the rules-based international order,” he said, adding that “we are determined to stop Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

For his part, the Chinese president today asked Paris for his country and the European Union to strengthen their “strategic coordination” and remain “partners”, against the backdrop of numerous differences, in areas ranging from trade to Human Rights.

“As two major global powers, China and the European Union must remain partners, continue dialogue and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, strengthen mutual strategic trust, consolidate strategic consensus and move forward in a strategic coordination,” Xi said at the start of the tripartite meeting.

Arriving in France yesterday for a two-day official visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and China.

Minutes before their remarks, Macron and Xi shook hands in the courtyard of the Elysee, while the Band of the Republican Guard musically welcomed the official guest.

After a ceremony later today at the Palais des Congrès, the Chinese president is expected to return to the Elysee for another one-on-one meeting with Macron, followed by a formal dinner. The two presidents will go to the Pyrenees tomorrow for a more personal getaway, accompanied by their spouses.