China and France Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Addressing Global Challenges

Rio De Janeiro, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they discussed the shared responsibilities of China and France as major global powers in leading efforts to tackle international challenges amid evolving global dynamics.

During the meeting, President Xi highlighted the unique and strategic significance of China-France relations, noting that both countries, as independent, mature, and responsible powers, have an important role in shaping global affairs. He emphasized the positive impact of the vision the two leaders outlined earlier this year, which set the course for the next 60 years of China-France relations. The bilateral efforts, he said, had already contributed to addressing global challenges and shaping a constructive international environment.

Xi called for deepening strategic communication between the two countries and strengthening mutual support to maintain the momentum of their positive bilateral relationship. He also expressed the need for further high-level exchanges in various fields, including culture, education, youth, and local-level cooperation, to promote people-to-people ties.

The Chinese president pointed out that China’s ongoing reforms and opening-up, as outlined during the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, present new opportunities for expanding cooperation with France. He emphasized the potential for greater collaboration through existing mechanisms such as the high-level economic and financial dialogue and the joint committee for trade and economic cooperation.

French President Macron, recalling Xi’s successful visit to France earlier this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, agreed on the need to strengthen their cooperation. He stressed that despite global uncertainties, France remains committed to strategic autonomy and values dialogue with China, particularly in areas such as climate change, global artificial intelligence governance, and the resolution of economic and trade issues.

Both leaders also discussed the ongoing Ukraine crisis. President Xi reiterated China’s consistent position, emphasizing that China does not support the escalation or spillover of the conflict and continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution. Xi affirmed that China would continue to play a constructive role in efforts to bring about a ceasefire and end the conflict.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both China and France to fostering a stable, mutually beneficial relationship and addressing key global issues through collaboration and mutual respect.