Wang Yi: China and France should be a force for stability, openness, inclusiveness, and unity

Paris, July 4th (Xinhua) -- On July 4th local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with reporters and answered questions on site with French Foreign Minister Barrow in Paris.

Wang Yi stated that the foreign ministers of the two countries held talks and co chaired the seventh meeting of the China France High Level People to People Exchange Mechanism, conducting in-depth, active, and candid exchanges on China France and China Europe relations, and reaching a series of important consensuses. The two sides made a new cooperation plan on the comprehensive exchange of people to people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Both sides agree that the current international situation is turbulent and intertwined, and major powers should take responsibility. Both China and France are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and should follow the founding purpose of the United Nations, inherit the spirit of establishing diplomatic relations between China and France with independence as the core, and jointly make contributions to world peace, stability, and development.

One is to maintain close strategic communication and act as a stabilizing force. The relationship between China and France is highly strategic and forward-looking. No matter how the international situation changes, China and France have the willingness and ability to build consensus, resolve differences, and deepen cooperation through communication and dialogue, ensuring the stable development of bilateral relations. Respecting each other's core interests is the cornerstone of strategic mutual trust between China and France, and China appreciates France's reaffirmation of the One China policy. Peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue and negotiation is the right path for humanity. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with France, and play a constructive role in the political resolution of hot issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East.

The second is to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and be a force for openness. Currently, some major countries are weaponizing tariffs, promoting comprehensive security in economic and trade cooperation, and placing their own interests above those of other countries. This behavior seriously disrupts the stable operation of the global supply chain and seriously damages the common interests of the international community. History and reality have proven that enhancing competitiveness cannot rely on building walls and barriers. Decoupling and breaking links will ultimately only isolate oneself. China has entered a new stage of high-quality development and will continue to expand its high-level opening-up. China and Europe have resolved the brandy issue through friendly consultations. We are willing to import more high-quality products from France, support strong Chinese enterprises to invest in France, and hope and believe that the French side can provide a fair, transparent, and non discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Both sides should continue to deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as nuclear energy, aviation, and aerospace, as well as actively explore the potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and biotechnology.

The third is to promote people to people communication and be a force for inclusiveness. Communicating heart to heart at the humanistic level is the best path for countries to enhance understanding, overcome differences, and coexist harmoniously.  

The fourth is to strengthen multilateral coordination and build a united force. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti Fascist War and the establishment of the United Nations. The United Nations is the primary platform for maintaining world peace and conducting global governance. The more complex and turbulent the situation, the more we must adhere to the core position of the United Nations and give full play to its leading role. China and France will continue to work together to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and support each other's multilateral cooperation initiatives.

Wang Yi stated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe. We believe that it is timely for China and Europe to strengthen strategic cooperation under the current situation. Both sides should establish an objective, rational, and correct understanding, adhere to mutual benefit and open cooperation, and resolve specific economic and trade issues through consultation as soon as possible. China firmly supports the process of European integration and is pleased to see France driving the EU to achieve strategic autonomy. We are willing to work together with France to promote the development of China EU relations.