When they began a series of high-level discussions in Beijing on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron asked China’s Xi Jinping to reason with Russia and halt the Ukrainian war.

During their meeting, Macron informed Xi, “The Russian intervention in Ukraine has given a blow to (international) stability.” “I trust you to bring Russia and everyone back to the table.”

Macron’s visit with EU leader Ursula von der Leyen follows years of strained ties with Beijing over a blocked investment treaty, COVID-19 transparency, and China’s unwillingness to denounce Russia’s Ukrainian incursion.

After arriving on Wednesday, Macron told the press that Europe must avoid diminishing commercial and diplomatic links with China and oppose the “inescapable spiral” of hostility between China and the West.

Von der Leyen saw Xi later before trilateral meetings in the evening.

Macron met with Premier Li Qiang before meeting Xi for an elaborate ceremony outside the Great Hall, where they watched a 21-gun salute and walked side-by-side on a crimson carpet. At the same time, a brass band played their national anthems.

Xi told CCTV that China and France must overcome “differences” and “restraints” while the globe experiences big historical changes.

During her first trip to China as European Commission president in 2019, von der Leyen told Li that Europe must “de-risk” politically and economically with a hardening China.

“Both Europe and China have profited greatly from this connection, but, EU-China ties have become more complicated in recent years and it is crucial that we examine together all elements of our relations today,” von der Leyen said before meeting Li.

Li said the EU-France collaboration was “a fresh beginning point” and should be based on “mutual respect and win-win cooperation.”

China wants to prevent Europe from following U.S.-led attempts to curb its ascent and repair relations with France.

“Macron’s visit is expected to create concrete results in increasing economic and commercial cooperation between China and France, as well as to improve political confidence,” the official media outlet Global Times stated in an editorial.

“Many powers in Europe and the U.S. are paying careful attention to Macron’s visit and exerting influence in diverse ways,” the Global Times said. Hence, not everyone wants Macron’s China visit to go well.

Macron and von der Leyen want China to utilize its influence over Russia to bring peace to Ukraine or discourage Beijing from explicitly helping Moscow.

Russia declares Ukraine’s invasion a “special military operation.”

According to some observers, Macron may promote a “reset” in China-EU relations while von der Leyen presses the tougher problems and red lines.

Macron exited his vehicle outside the Great Hall and gave Xi a lengthy handshake on his first visit to China since 2019. Then, Macron clasped Xi’s hands and offered him a friendly pat as they greeted government officials.

Macron is scheduled to unveil Chinese deals with a 50-strong corporate delegation, including Airbus (AIR.PA), LVMH, and EDF.

While the French business sector has applauded Macron’s overtures to China, not everyone at home believes that’s a positive signal.

“Three-quarters of the group are corporate leaders: the purpose is first and foremost to sign contracts,” tweeted left-wing European parliament member Raphael Glucksmann before Macron’s arrival.

“The message is untimely as Europe debates our deadly dependent on China and Chinese intervention.”