Summary
French President Emmanuel Macron pleaded on Wednesday for European unity in the face of China's growing economic power as he wrapped up a visit to Beijing with several business deals.
Macron, who has become the leading voice of the European Union, endorsed President Xi Jinping's massive $1 trillion program to revive ancient Silk Road trading routes during his three-day trip.
The French leader has staked a claim as the EU's most prominent leader as Britain prepares to exit the bloc next year and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is embroiled in post-election coalition talks.
While he pressed France's concerns about its trade deficit with China, Macron came away with the last minute announcement of a Chinese commitment to buy 184 single-aisle A320 planes from European aviation giant Airbus.
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