China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, expressed China’s commitment to strengthening high-level exchanges with France and enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Wang made these remarks during a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Counselor to the French President, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation across various sectors and the significant role of both countries in addressing global challenges, according to Xinhua News Agency.
In light of the complex and volatile international situation, Wang highlighted the importance of China and France aligning their positions on major issues affecting global peace and stability. Wang also called for continued positive and pragmatic policies from the European Union (EU) toward China.
Amid growing uncertainties in China-Europe relations, the strengthening relationship between China and France serves as a stabilizing factor and a highlight. This trend has become particularly evident in recent months, with increased interactions and exchanges across multiple fields. Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of European Studies, emphasized the significance of this relationship in stabilizing China-Europe relations amid calls for “decoupling” from China by some European politicians.
As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, both sides expressed their willingness to intensify high-level exchanges and deepen mutual trust. Bonne underscored France’s commitment to advancing cooperation with China and contributing positively to global issues such as climate change and bridging the North-South gap.
The warming of China-France relations extends beyond official exchanges to include military and commercial cooperation. The two countries recently signed a framework document to establish a maritime and aerial cooperation mechanism between their militaries, aiming to enhance mutual trust and safeguard regional security. Additionally, discussions are underway between Airbus and China for a potential aircraft order involving hundreds of jets.
During the phone call, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including artificial intelligence development and climate change mitigation. They also discussed ways to facilitate business collaboration and investment between their countries.
Observers noted that maintaining a stable relationship between China and France is crucial amid the current global turbulence, and the coordination between the two countries on international issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is significant. Zhao emphasized the traditional foundation of cooperation between China and France and its broader implications, suggesting that their relationship could serve as a model for other European countries.