Macron aims to persuade China to use its influence over Moscow to help move the war in Ukraine toward a ceasefire while also addressing what Brussels describes as “unbalanced” trade ties. His delegation is expected to sign agreements in the energy, aviation and agrifood sectors. Analysts say the French leader faces a dual challenge: urging Beijing to position itself more constructively on European security while simultaneously defending European industries against what officials consider unfair competition from China. The visit follows recent EU warnings that relations with Beijing have reached a critical inflection point.