China, France Hold Strategic Dialogue on Taiwan, EU Trade and Global Issues
Dragon Media News Desk
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held a telephone conversation on Monday at the request of the French side, discussing China-France relations, China-EU economic and trade ties, the Taiwan question, the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China-France relations have generally maintained stable momentum under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Against a complex and volatile international backdrop, he said China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should strengthen strategic communication and jointly address risks and challenges.
Wang said China actively supports France in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating president of the UN Security Council this month and expects France to help ensure that the council plays its proper role in maintaining international peace and security.
On Taiwan, Wang stressed that the one-China principle is the political foundation of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed hope that France would uphold the principle through concrete actions, refrain from any form of official engagement with China’s Taiwan region and avoid sending wrong signals to forces advocating “Taiwan independence.”
Turning to China-EU relations, Wang said both sides should remain committed to partnership, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, maintain openness and resolve current economic and trade frictions through constructive dialogue. He warned that protectionism would not strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, but could instead deprive consumers of high-quality and affordable products, increase inflationary pressure and hinder the green transition.
Wang said China is one of the world’s largest markets and that its development should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a challenge for the European Union. He expressed hope that France, as a major country with strategic influence, would encourage the EU to adopt a pragmatic and rational approach toward China and play a positive role in maintaining stable China-EU relations.
Barrot said that since French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to China, the two countries have maintained dialogue, sought common ground while respecting differences and preserved the momentum of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that France firmly adheres to the one-China policy.
The French foreign minister also said France is prepared to promote constructive engagement between the European Union and China to seek solutions to current economic and trade difficulties.
The two foreign ministers additionally exchanged views on the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis. Wang outlined China’s position and referred to President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal for building a new security architecture in the Middle East, describing it as a contribution to regional peace and stability.
The conversation reflected continued efforts by China and France to maintain strategic coordination not only in bilateral relations but also on major international issues involving the United Nations, the European Union and ongoing global security challenges.
