China and France yesterday agreed to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron reached the consensus during their talks in Beijing. <br/><br/>Macron is on a state visit to China from January 8 to 10 at Xi's invitation. Xi said that Macron is the first foreign head of state to visit China in 2018, as well as the first European leader to visit China since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).<br/><br/>Later, Macron said a contract with China for 184 Airbus A320s would be finalised soon and that his country also had ambitions to sell A350 and A380 planes in coming weeks or months. <br/><br/>Macron said the order for 184 A320s will be finalised shortly, adding it was confirmed to him by President Xi. Macron said France also has ambitions on A350 and A380 mid-range and large carriers in the weeks or months to come. <br/><br/>The French president also said China assured him it would respect market share parity between Airbus and Boeing.