French President Emmanuel Macron met China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, with talks expected to focus on Ukraine and trade as Europe seeks to recalibrate ties with the world's second-largest economy.

Ahead of his meetings, Macron wrote on X that discussions with the Chinese leader would focus "on peace and economic rebalancing, which the world so desperately needs."

At the meeting, Xi said China was willing to work together to "make the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France more stable."

Macron meanwhile said both sides must overcome their differences.

"Sometimes there are differences, but it is our responsibility to overcome them for the greater good," Macron told Xi during the meeting.

Ukraine ceasefire talks

During his three-day state visit to China, Macron is expected to urge Xi to help push Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Macron told Xi that China had a "decisive capacity" to influence Ukraine ceasefire talks.

The French president, who is visiting China for the fourth time since taking office, is also scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang before travelling to Chengdu on Friday for another meeting with Xi.

The visit comes days after Macron hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, where European leaders discussed conditions for a potential ceasefire as the war approaches its fourth year.

China has never condemned Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, despite it calls for peace talks and respect for territorial integrity.

Trade discussions to include market access for France

Macron's agenda also includes discussions on trade relations.

The European Union recorded a trade deficit of €306.2 billion ($348 billion) with China last year. For France, China alone represents 46% of its total trade deficit.

Previously, Macron had called for the EU to reduce its dependence on China and for a "European preference" in the tech sector.

France is seeking greater market access and investment from Chinese companies. Macron is committed to defending "fair and reciprocal market access," his office said.

Officials from both countries are expected to sign agreements covering energy, food industries and aviation sectors.

Edited by: Zac Crellin