On December 5, 2025, President Xi Jinping had amicable exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron at Dujiangyan, Chengdu City of Sichuan Province.

Dujiangyan in early winter is embraced by lush mountains. Upon arrival, President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Madame Brigitte Macron were warmly received by President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan. President Xi welcomed President Macron to Sichuan, the Land of Abundance. Recalling his visit to President Macron’s hometown in the Hautes-Pyrénées at the latter’s invitation last year, President Xi expressed his confidence that President Macron’s visit this time will further enrich his understanding of China.

The two heads of state and their wives strolled and conversed as they walked along the Yangong Path. 

President Xi Jinping explained the history and significance of Dujiangyan, noting that as the only ancient irrigation system still in use in the world today, Dujiangyan represents one of the earliest success stories of harmony between humanity and nature. Its construction process fully reflects the resilience, fortitude and pioneering spirit of the Chinese nation. On each of my visits to Dujiangyan, I have been able to feel the ancestors’ greatness in adapting to local conditions, following the law of nature, pursuing harmony between humanity and nature, and harnessing water for the benefit of the people, and to draw inspiration from their wisdom for state governance. The French nation is also known for its perseverance. China and France should be better able to understand and respect each other than other countries. 

President Macron expressed his appreciation of the beautiful mountains and clear waters of Dujiangyan. The irrigation system built over two thousand years ago that is still functional today is a testament to the diligence and wisdom of the Chinese people. Both France and China have time-honored histories and cultures, and the two peoples share the same aspirations for a better life. Working together, France and China can pursue shared development and prosperity and deliver benefit to the Chinese and French people.

At the Huaigu Pavilion, the two heads of state and their wives sat down for tea by the water and engaged in a discussion of world affairs. 

President Xi Jinping underscored that the prosperity of a nation and the rejuvenation of a people require not only material progress but also intellectual-cultural advancement. Only a nation confident in its culture can establish itself, stand firm, and go far. Chinese civilization is the world’s only uninterrupted great civilization that continues to this day in a state form, and is uniquely characterized by its continuity, creativity, unity, inclusiveness, and peacefulness. China and France are stellar examples of Eastern and Western civilizations. Their shared spirit of independence is deeply rooted in the respective rich cultural heritages. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was both a “handshake” between two independent countries and a convergence of two brilliant civilizations. Facing a fluid and turbulent world, I am confident that as two countries with profound history and culture, China and France will, through dialogue and cooperation, jointly make greater contributions to world peace, stability, and human development and progress.

President Macron noted that the current international landscape is evolving rapidly and is full of uncertainties. France will strengthen communication and coordination with China, adhere to resolving conflicts through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard world peace and stability.

President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan later hosted President Macron and Madame Brigitte Macron for lunch, during which they had further in-depth discussions.

The two heads of state agreed to maintain close communication and jointly steer forward the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

During the visit, the two sides issued joint statements on enhancing global governance, cooperation on addressing global climate and environmental challenges, continued cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, exchanges and cooperation on agriculture and food as well as the situation in Ukraine and Palestine. 

Wang Yi was present at the above events.