“We count on China to use all its influence on Russia to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” von der Leyen told reporters after the meeting.

She praised the Chinese leader for “playing an important role in de-escalating Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats”, adding that she was “confident Xi will continue to do so”.

Macron said “coordination” with Beijing on “major crises” in Ukraine and the Middle East was “absolutely decisive”.

09:45

How do France’s ambitions as a global leader figure in China-US relations?

How do France’s ambitions as a global leader figure in China-US relations?

China’s close ties with Russia are viewed by many in Europe as tacit backing for its invasion of Ukraine.

“More effort is needed to curtail delivery of dual-use goods to Russia that find their way to the battlefield,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission president, who has established herself as one of Europe’s most prominent China hawks after masterminding the bloc’s de-risking agenda, was invited to meet Xi by Macron.

The Chinese leader said her presence at the Élysée Palace had “enhanced the significance of this visit to Europe”.

With trade and economic matters also on the agenda, the Europeans raised the issue of overcapacity in the Chinese economy.

The EU has launched a series of investigations into alleged Chinese subsidies for industries such as electric cars and green energy that are suspected of undercutting European companies.

“The future of our continent will also very clearly depend on our capacity to further develop in a balanced way our relationship with China,” Macron said.

Raising the prospect of an EU-China trade war, von der Leyen said: “Europe will not waver from making tough decisions needed to protect its economy and security.

“Our market is and remains open to fair competition and to investments. But it is not good for Europe if it harms our security and makes us vulnerable.”

She also said: “The world cannot absorb China’s surplus production. These subsidised products such as the electric vehicles or, for example, steel are flooding the European market.”

Reacting to the prospect of a trade conflict with Europe, Xi said: “Both sides should properly handle economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and accommodate their legitimate concerns”, according to a statement published by state broadcaster CCTV.

On Ukraine, he said “China is not a creator or party to the crisis, but has been doing its best” to push for peace and promote talks.

Following the meeting, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the country was open to Chinese investment in its electric vehicle sector.

“France welcomes all industrial projects. BYD and the Chinese auto industry are very welcome in France,” Le Maire told a gathering of automotive executives.

The trilateral meeting with Macron and von der Leyen was the first engagement for Xi’s two-day visit to France and set the tone for a state visit that will be full of pomp and ceremony, but which will not be shielded from difficult discussions.

French officials have said the trip will be “very political”, and that Russia’s invasion will be the dominant topic.

Macron wants to push Xi on a retaliatory Chinese inquiry into French brandy, following the EU’s investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies. The Chinese leader, meanwhile, is expected to push his counterpart over the various investigations into alleged China subsidies.

During the meeting, Xi insisted that there was no such thing as “China’s overcapacity problem”, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Later on Monday, a ceremony will be held at the Hôtel des Invalides, a 17th century complex of military buildings that houses the tomb of Napoleon.

This will include full flag honours with Macron and Xi also set to inspect French troops.

Meetings on economic matters will take place at Théâtre Marigny in the early evening, followed by a state dinner at the Élysée Palace.

On Tuesday the pair will head to the Pyrenees for lunch, visiting the Col du Tourmalet – a mountain pass that is one of the most celebrated climbs to feature in the Tour de France.

02:27

China expands visa-free travel to 6 new countries

China expands visa-free travel to 6 new countries

In an op-ed published in French newspaper Le Figaro on Sunday, Xi urged more French companies to invest in China, vowing to “move faster to expand market access to telecoms, medical and other services”.

“Some Chinese companies have set up battery plants in France,” Xi said. “The Chinese government supports more Chinese companies in investing in France.”