China and France pledged deeper cooperation on global issues such as the war in Ukraine and trade, as France prepares to take on the presidency of the Group of Seven next year.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday morning as part of a three-day state visit focusing on trade and diplomacy.

The French leader is seeking to involve Beijing in pressuring Russia toward a ceasefire with Ukraine after a recent burst of diplomacy around a US-led peace plan.

“We are facing the risk of the disintegration of the international order that brought peace to the world for decades, and in this context, the dialogue between China and France is even more essential than ever,” Macron said Thursday.

“I hope that China will join our call, our efforts to achieve, as soon as possible, at the very least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on strikes targeting critical infrastructure,” he said.

Xi did not respond to France’s call directly, but said that “China supports all efforts that work towards peace” and urged a settlement acceptable to all parties.

China has provided strong diplomatic support to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine and has extended an economic lifeline through increased trade.

Xi also announced that China will provide $100 million to help Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and to support recovery and reconstruction.

He called for building greater political trust with France by showing mutual support while demonstrating each side’s “independence.”

“No matter how the external environment changes, both sides as major powers should always demonstrate independence and strategic vision, show mutual understanding and mutual support for each other on core matters and major critical issues,” he said.

“China and France should demonstrate their sense of responsibility, raise high the banner of multilateralism … and firmly stand on the right side of history,” he added.

Trade was another major focus of Thursday’s agenda.

Xi said during the joint appearance that both sides had agreed to work toward greater economic cooperation in aerospace, aeronautics, nuclear energy, and emerging areas such as green industries and AI. They signed 12 agreements, including cooperation on a new round of panda conservation and expanded exchanges in higher education and research.

The European Union runs a massive trade deficit with China — over €300 billion ($348 billion) last year. China alone accounts for 46% of France’s total trade deficit.

France and the EU have described China as a partner, a competitor, and a systemic rival. Recent years have seen trade disputes across several sectors, following an EU probe into Chinese electric-vehicle subsidies and China’s retaliatory investigations into European brandy, pork, and dairy products. France secured an exemption for most cognac producers in July.

China, facing an economic slowdown, is signalling it wants more business.

“China’s open door will only open wider,” Xi said, adding that Beijing plans to expand market access and guide the cross-border, orderly development of industrial and supply chains.

Xi also called for continued cooperation between China and the EU.

Experts say Beijing is likely to use the visit to strengthen bilateral ties with one of Europe’s most important economies, potentially at the expense of broader EU cohesion.

“China seeks to drive a wedge into this EU approach by making deals bilaterally with individual EU members,” said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow on foreign policy and national security at the Asia Society.

Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday morning, Macron was greeted by a military band and groups of children waving flags at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders attended the closing of a Franco-Chinese business forum. Macron’s agenda also includes meetings with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The French presidential couple will then travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province.

Chengdu is home to the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where Yuan Meng — the first giant panda born in France and named by Brigitte Macron — now lives. France last month sent back to China a pair of giant pandas that lived in the country for 13 years and produced three cubs.