French President begins China visit in ancient city

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Europe

The ancient city of Xi’an welcomed another head of state on Monday, as French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his three-day visit to China in the historic city.

Once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and the starting point for the ancient Silk Road, the French president's choice of Xi'an for his first stop is considered to be a show of esteem for China's 5,000-year-old culture.

French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. /VCG Photo

During his tour of Xi’an, President Macron and his wife Brigitte visited the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, Da Ci’en Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist site that could be dated back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), as well as the city’s mosque.

He also delivered a speech at the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, where he called for enhanced cooperation between China and Europe in culture, education, science and technology, new energy as well as fighting climate change.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte visit Da Ci'en Temple‍. /VCG Photo

In his speech, the French President said that China and Europe should work together on the Belt and Road Initiative, a project aimed at building a modern-day trading route, adding that the initiative is one that could be shared and would benefit both sides.

“Our destinies are linked,” he said in his speech. “The future needs France, Europe and China." The president also added that he would visit China at least “once a year."

French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte visit a mosque in Xi'an. /VCG Photo

President Macron ended his 73-minute speech by mentioning his visit to see newly-born Chinese giant panda cub “Yuan Meng” in France, saying that its name is a symbol that China and France will fulfill their dreams together.

After completing his schedule in Xi’an, the French president arrived in Beijing later on Monday, where he met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and is scheduled to visit the Forbidden City.

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