France, May 23 -- Amid mounting trade friction between the European Union and China, President Emmanuel Macron made a call to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a move that highlights France's push to ease trade with Beijing while reinforcing its diplomatic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

As he prepares to embark on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, Macron held a strategic call with Xi, pressing for progress on a key trade dispute and backing closer cooperation on global flashpoints such as Ukraine and Gaza.

Although Macron won't be heading to China himself - having madea state visit there in April 2023 - his outreach signals France's intent to stay closely engaged with Beijing.

Thursday's phone call centred around ongoing trade ten...