Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: Xinhua)

The two sides reached a consensus on many issues, including a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East.

In the joint statement, China and France condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including all acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. They mentioned the absolute imperative to protect civilians in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law. The two leaders expressed their opposition to an Israeli offensive against Rafah, which would lead to an even greater humanitarian disaster and displace many more Palestinian civilians.

The two said an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect civilians in the Gaza Strip. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, a guarantee of humanitarian access to meet medical and other needs, and respect for international law with regard to all detainees.

The two leaders stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian vessels to safeguard maritime security and global trade, ease regional tensions, and reduce humanitarian and environmental risks.  They called for observance of an Olympic Truce during the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After visiting France, President Xi is scheduled to visit Serbia and Hungary.