French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in more than three years on Thursday.

Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday. He is expected to hold summit talks with Xi on Thursday and also attend a meeting with Xi and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

French media view the three-way talks as Europe's attempt to strengthen its negotiating position with China.

Macron addressed French residents in China ahead of his talks with Xi the next day.

He expressed readiness to urge China to be more involved in the situation in Ukraine despite its close ties with Russia.

Referring to a document Beijing issued in February that urges Russia and Ukraine to seek dialogue and a ceasefire, Macron said this indicates China is willing to take responsibility in building a path toward peace. He added dialogue with China is essential.

At the same time, Macron is expected to warn China against taking steps to seek closer ties with Russia against the backdrop of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Trade talks are also expected to be high on the agenda. Macron is being accompanied by a number of top business leaders, including those from Airbus.