Macron asks Xi: 'Bring Russia to its senses'

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday as his state visit to the communist nation commences.

Macron is hoping to court Chinese assistance in ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine during his talks with Xi.

"I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table," Macron told Xi as the bilateral talks in Beijing began.

The French president has been open about his goals in visiting China, posting a brief outline of his hopes on social media before the meeting.

"I am convinced that China has a major role to play in building peace," Macron wrote on Twitter. "This is what I have come to discuss, to move forward on. With President Xi Jinping, we will also talk about our businesses, the climate and biodiversity, and food security,"