France and China Look to Deepen Ties Amidst India’s Growing Defense Role

Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent strategic visit to India, China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed a strong desire to “break new ground” in China-France relations. This comes on the heels of India’s signing of major defense deals with France, including an ambitious roadmap for co-developing military hardware.

While the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations provides a natural backdrop for renewed engagement, Beijing seems keen to counterbalance India’s increasing defense partnership with France. Xi emphasized shared values like peace, security, and prosperity, hinting at potential areas for deeper cooperation.

With geopolitical interests in the Indo-Pacific region aligning and diverging, it remains to be seen how both sides will navigate this complex diplomatic landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining the extent of this “new ground” and its implications for the trilateral dynamic between China, France, and India.