China and France Agree to Further Strengthen Relations

Beijing. China and France have expressed their commitment to further consolidating cooperation on international peace, stability, and development. During talks held in Beijing on Friday between senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, the two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations, global politics, and issues of common concern.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, stated that as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and independent and influential nations, China and France share a common responsibility in safeguarding world peace and stability. He noted that the strategic guidance between the two heads of state reflects the distinctive character and high level of bilateral relations, adding that China stands ready to further advance cooperation.

Wang expressed China’s positive assessment of the French parliament’s passage of a bill facilitating the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era, stating that enhanced cooperation in this area could promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations.

Noting that growing instability in the global environment makes strategic dialogue and coordination between the two countries all the more necessary, he stressed that the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership should be advanced in a stable and healthy manner, free from any interference.

He underscored that the foundation of China-France relations rests on political trust and respect for each other’s core interests, expressing the expectation that France would uphold the One-China policy in practice, refrain from any form of official contact with the Taiwan administration, and avoid sending any wrong signals to forces advocating “Taiwan independence.”

Wang noted that China and Europe have always been partners, and expressed confidence that France would play a positive role in encouraging the European Union to adopt a pragmatic, open, and balanced economic and trade policy towards China.

French presidential diplomatic advisor Bonne stated that France attaches great importance to the long-standing trust-based relationship between the two heads of state. He noted that France is fully aware of the sensitivity and importance of the Taiwan question and made clear that its position on the One-China policy remains unchanged.

Bonne observed that maintaining dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China is vital in the current international climate, stating that France is willing to cooperate closely with China to address global crises. He noted the need for the European Union to engage with China as a trusted partner and affirmed that France will play an active role in promoting Europe-China dialogue and cooperation.

During the talks, the two sides also exchanged in-depth views on global economic governance, the situation in the Middle East, and other international issues of common concern.