CHINA and France pledged deeper co-operation on global issues like the war in Ukraine and trade, as France prepares to take on the presidency of the Group of Seven next year.

China’s Xi Jinping met with French President Emmanuel Macron this morning as part of a three-day state visit focusing on trade and diplomacy.

President Macron is seeking to involve Beijing in moving Russia toward a ceasefire with Ukraine.

He said: “We are facing the risk of the disintegration of the international order that brought peace to the world for decades, and in this context, the dialogue between China and France is even more essential than ever.

“I hope that China will join our call, our efforts to achieve, as soon as possible, at the very least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on strikes targeting critical infrastructure.”

President Xi did not respond to France’s call, but said that “China supports all efforts that work towards peace” and called for a peace deal that all parties will accept.

President Xi also announced that China will provide $100 million (£76m) to help Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and to support the territory’s recovery and reconstruction.

The Chinese president also called for building greater political trust with France by showing each other support while demonstrating each side’s “independence.”