Wars, Trade Take Center Stage in Biden–Macron Meeting During State Visit

The leaders seek to tackle China’s unfair trade practices and aggression in the Indo–Pacific through a coordinated response.

U.S. President Joe Biden (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron address the media during press statements following a bilateral meeting as part of President Biden's state visit to France, at the Presidential Elysee Palace in Paris on June 8, 2024. Saul Loeb/AFP

PARIS—President Joe Biden met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on June 8 to address a wide range of pressing issues, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as China’s industrial overcapacity and aggression in the Indo–Pacific.

During the joint press statement, Ukraine was a key topic for both leaders. According to Mr. Macron, France and the United States share an understanding regarding support for Ukraine. In addition, he voiced his endorsement of the Gaza peace plan put forth recently by President Biden.