Strategic Partnership Deepens: Xi Jinping Calls on China, France to Expand Cooperation in Multiple Areas

Forging a Future: China and France Boost Cooperation Amidst Global Shifts

In a significant diplomatic meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the critical importance of strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their two nations. President Xi's address highlighted a clear vision:Xi Jinping calls on China, France to expand cooperation in multiple areas, seeing both countries as indispensable forces for stability and progress in a rapidly evolving world.

President Xi underscored the unique position of China and France as independent, visionary, and responsible global players. He asserted that both nations are instrumental in fostering a multipolar world order and promoting unity and collaboration for the betterment of humanity. Recognizing that humanity stands at a crossroads, facing profound choices about its future, Xi stressed that China and France must demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility, uphold multilateralism, and consistently align themselves with the trajectory of historical progress.

A Shared Vision for the Next 60 Years

Looking ahead, President Xi expressed China's unwavering commitment to working alongside France. Their shared objective is to prioritize the fundamental interests of their respective peoples and the long-term well-being of the international community. This involves upholding principles of equal dialogue and open cooperation to ensure the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership not only continues its steady advancement but also thrives over the next six decades. The goal is for this partnership to fully demonstrate its strategic value, making new contributions towards an equitable, orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization.

Xi further emphasized that regardless of external shifts, China and France must always exhibit strategic foresight and independence. Mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns are paramount to safeguarding the foundational political bedrock of their bilateral relations.

Expanding Economic and Innovation Horizons

President Xi highlighted China's ambitious '15th Five-Year Plan,' recently approved by the 20th Central Committee. This comprehensive blueprint not only charts China's development for the coming half-decade but also signals a wealth of new opportunities for international partners like France. Seizing these opportunities, China and France are poised to deepen collaboration across various sectors.

Traditional areas such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy will see consolidated efforts, while new potential will be tapped in burgeoning fields. These include the green economy, digital economy, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and new energy. To facilitate this expansion, China expressed its willingness to import more high-quality French products and warmly welcomes French enterprises to invest and develop within China. In return, China hopes France will provide a fair and stable environment for Chinese businesses.

Fostering Deeper Cultural and Social Bonds

Acknowledging the natural affinity between the Chinese and French people, President Xi urged both sides to intensify exchanges and cooperation. Key areas for this engagement include culture, education, science and technology, and robust interactions at the subnational level, promoting understanding and friendship beyond official channels.

Championing Multilateralism and Global Governance

President Xi stated that the contemporary world is far from peaceful, grappling with numerous complex and intractable hotspot issues. As founding members of the United Nations and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France bear a significant responsibility. Xi stressed the importance of practicing true multilateralism, upholding the UN-centered international system, and strictly adhering to the international order underpinned by international law.

Both nations are encouraged to enhance communication and coordination on the peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of global peace and stability. They should also jointly drive the reform and improvement of global governance, ensuring it addresses current challenges effectively.

Addressing Imbalances and Promoting Equity

Xi pointed out various global imbalances, such as uneven development between the Global North and South, and insufficient representation of developing countries in international financial institutions. He called on all nations to collectively shoulder responsibilities, coordinate actions, and work towards making global economic governance fairer, more just, and equitable.

The China-Europe Dynamic: Partnership Over Protectionism

Reflecting on the past 50 years of China-Europe exchanges, President Xi noted their mutually beneficial nature, contributing to each other's success. He emphasized the profound interconnectedness of global industrial and supply chains, asserting that openness and cooperation lead to development opportunities, while decoupling and severing supply chains can only result in isolation. Protectionism, he argued, cannot resolve problems stemming from global industrial restructuring but will merely worsen the international trade environment.

Xi affirmed that China and Europe should remain committed to partnership, pursue cooperation with an open mind, and ensure their relations progress along the right track of independence and mutually beneficial collaboration.

France's Perspective: A Commitment to Partnership and Global Stability

For his part, President Macron noted the consistent high-level exchanges between China and France, built on mutual trust and respect. France values its relationship with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is eager to further deepen the France-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Macron expressed France's pleasure at the dynamism of the Chinese economy, which promotes openness and cooperation, creating more opportunities globally. France stands ready to collaborate with China to boost mutual investment, strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, and renewable energy, and deepen friendly cultural exchanges. He welcomed increased Chinese investment in France, promising a fair and non-discriminatory business environment.

Macron reiterated France's commitment to fostering sound and steady Europe-China relations, believing that dialogue and cooperation are essential. He also championed Europe's pursuit of strategic autonomy.

Shared Views on Global Challenges

Given the current global geopolitical instability and challenges to the multilateral order, Macron stressed that cooperation between France and China is more vital and indispensable than ever. He fully endorsed President Xi’s views on reforming and improving global governance and promoting a more balanced global economy. France is prepared to work with China to enhance coordination, jointly fulfill the responsibilities of major countries, uphold multilateralism, and boost cooperation in critical areas such as climate response, biodiversity conservation, and AI governance, all aimed at contributing to world peace and prosperity.

Key Outcomes and Future Steps

The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. President Xi reiterated China's support for all efforts conducive to peace and its commitment to playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis. He affirmed China’s support for European countries in establishing a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.

Following their talks, President Xi and President Macron jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents, covering crucial sectors like nuclear energy, agri-food, education, and ecological environment, signaling tangible progress in their bilateral relations.

The day's events commenced with a grand welcome ceremony for President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, hosted by President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the Great Hall of the People, symbolizing the warmth and significance of this high-level exchange.