French President Emmanuel Macron sought to align Europe with China’s signature $1 trillion investment project on Monday, as Theresa May prepares to visit Beijing to forge closer economic ties for the UK.
Mr Macron made his comments as he began a three-day visit to China in the city of Xian, the gateway to China’s historic Silk Road, before heading to Beijing and a meeting with Xi Jinping.
The Chinese president’s signature foreign policy project - the Belt and Road Initiative - is seen as a modern day revival of the ancient Silk Road trading route.
Belt and Road aims to link Asia, Africa and much of Europe with infrastructure projects backed by colossal Chinese funds.
It has been seen as a major part of Mr Xi’s drive to position China at the heart of a new globalist world order, but has sparked concern and suspicion in some quarters over China’s strategic ambitions.
Mr Macron said in a speech on Monday that the project “cannot be one-way,” but he told news website china.org.cn: “It represents a real opportunity to build bridges through exchanges between counties and civilisations, just as the ancient silk routes once did.
“I think it is very important that Europe and China strengthen their collaboration on the initiative. France is ready to take a leading role," added Mr Macron, who is joined by 60 French business executives on his trip.
UK chancellor Phillip Hammond last year pitched Britain as a “natural partner” for the scheme, as he sought new opportunities for post-Brexit trade.
Mrs May is expected to visit Beijing later this month for a long-delayed trip aimed at boosting trade ties between China and the UK.
The prime minister may have to double her efforts to woo her Chinese hosts, after a strong charm offensive from Mr Macron in China.
In a French version of panda diplomacy, Macron will give Xi a horse as a gift: a retired Republican Guard horse that is currently in quarantine.