Visiting China, President Macron Asks Xi Jinping To Negotiate With Russia For Peace In Ukraine

President Macron and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Bali G20 Summit last year. (Twitter @EmmanuelMacron)

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday to negotiate with Russia, to help end the war in Ukraine, when the two held their first meeting of a series of high-level meetings in Beijing.

"Russian Aggression in Ukraine has dealt a blow to (international) stability," President Macron told Xi, standing next to the Chinese president outside the Great Hall of the People ahead of their meeting.

"I know, I can count on you to bring Russia back to common sense and everyone goes back to the negotiating table," President Macron said.

In addition, President Macron also asked Xi Leaders to pressure Russia to comply with international regulations on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

President Macron is not alone, he was accompanied by EU Head Ursula von der Leyen and her entourage, to discuss various issues, ranging from stalled investment pacts to Russia's invasion of China.

Meanwhile, in comments reported by CCTV Government media, Xi Leaders say China and France have the ability and responsibility to go beyond "differences" and "repression", as the world undergoes deep historical changes.

Von der Leyen said Europe should "reduce risk" diplomatically and economically with China as it hardens.

"Both Europe and China have benefited greatly from this relationship. However, EU-China relations have become more complex in recent years and are important for us to discuss together all aspects of our current relationship," von der Leyen said before his meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.

Meanwhile, China is said to be eager to ensure Europe does not follow what it sees as US-led efforts to contain its revival, with hope of restoring relations between the two countries.

"Macron's visit is expected to provide concrete results in advancing economic and trade cooperation between the RRT and France, as well as increasing political mutual trust," the Global Times state media wrote in an editorial.

"It should be noted that various powers in Europe and the US pay attention to Macron's visit and exert influence in different directions," the media wrote.

"In other words, not everyone wants to see Macron's visit to China run smoothly and successfully," the article said.

It is known, both President Macron and von der Leyen said they wanted to persuade China to improve close ties with Russia to bring peace in Ukraine, or at least prevent Beijing from directly supporting the Moscow invasion, which Russia calls a "special military operation".