French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in the Chinese capital Beijing after visiting the central city of Xi'an on the first day of his 3-day state visit to China. Earlier on Monday, Macron delivered a keynote speech in Xi'an and later in Beijing, discussed bilateral ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Natasha Hussein has the details.

The state visit began at the gateway of the ancient Silk Road. As a gesture to boost cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, French President Emmanuel Macron chose Xi'an as the first stop of his visit to China. After arriving in Beijing on Monday afternoon, Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Xi said China is willing to uphold the principle of win-win cooperation and work closely with France, in order to further boost cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Earlier in the day, Macron visited some historic sites in the ancient city of Xi'an, including the famous Terracotta Warriors, and the centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In a keynote speech at the ancient imperial palace complex Daming Palace, the French president said China and Europe should work together on the Belt and Road Initiative, and he also mentioned the way to advance bilateral relations.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "The method consists of listening, proposing, advancing and building trust, to create together the way for fidelity, reciprocity, and to that end, I will come at least once a year to China, for the whole duration of my presidency."

This visit is Macron's first official trip to Asia since being elected into office last year, Chinese Foreign Ministry says it has great significance.

LU KANG CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN "We believe this is of great significance to the development of relations between China and France and between China and the EU. President Xi Jinping is looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views on promoting Sino-French relations and international and major regional issues of common concern. "

On Tuesday, Macron will continue his state visit with a tour of the iconic Forbidden City. He will also meet top Chinese officials and oversee the signing of business deals. CGTN.