China, France hold strategic dialogue
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the 24th China-France Strategic Dialogue with the French president’s diplomatic counselor, Emmanuel Bonne, in Beijing on Monday.
The two sides had friendly and in-depth exchanges on China-France and China-EU relations, as well as international and regional issues. They agreed to give full play to the role of the strategic dialogue, push forward the development of bilateral relations at a high level, and work together to cope with global challenges.
As independent major countries, China and France should shoulder their own responsibilities, take the consensus between the two heads of state as fundamental guidance, and adhere to mutual respect, win-win cooperation, exchanges and mutual learning, so as to build a comprehensive strategic partnership that is stable, mutually beneficial, enterprising and dynamic, Wang said.
A positive and dynamic China-France relationship is expected to facilitate a steady and sustained growth of China-EU relations for solidarity and progress of international community, he said.
Wang said China is ready to work with France to follow through on the important common understandings of the two heads of state, cement public support, continuously unleash the cooperation potential in the post-pandemic era, consolidate political mutual trust, and push the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
Bonne said France pays much attention to developing relations with China, attaches importance to China’s status and role in the world, has confidence in China’s economy, and has no intention to restrict China’s development.
In terms of China-EU relations, Wang said China and Europe are partners, not rivals, and their common interests far outweigh their differences.
China regards the EU as an independent and important part of a multi-polar world, and the relationship between the two sides has inherent logic and strong momentum, he said.
It is hoped that the EU will carry out cooperation with China in a more pragmatic and rational manner, avoid external interference, stay open to each other, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations, added Wang.
Bonne said that France is committed to promoting EU-China cooperation.
The EU and China can strengthen coordination on international hot-spot issues and show the world that both sides can jointly play an important role, said Bonne.
The two sides exchanged views on issues including the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, climate change and artificial intelligence.
