Xi, Macron Pledge Stronger China-France Cooperation to Uphold Global Order and Multilateralism

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, calling for enhanced strategic cooperation between China and France to uphold international order, promote global development, and lead the way in multilateral cooperation.

During the conversation, President Xi emphasized the importance of both nations acting as “reliable forces for maintaining international order, open forces for promoting global growth, and progressive forces for guiding multilateral cooperation.”

Xi called on China and France to jointly safeguard the authority and role of the United Nations, defend international trade rules and the global economic order, and uphold the principles of true multilateralism. He reiterated the significance of the spirit of China-France diplomatic ties—marked by independence, mutual understanding, strategic vision, and win-win cooperation—which was reinforced during his state visit to France in May last year.

Since that visit, Xi noted, bilateral cooperation has achieved substantial progress. He called for both sides to seize new opportunities and deepen cooperation in traditional sectors such as investment, aerospace, and nuclear energy, while expanding collaboration in emerging fields including the digital economy, green development, biomedicine, and the silver economy.

Highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and cultural connection, Xi urged increased people-to-people exchanges to further strengthen friendship between the Chinese and French people.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. Xi underscored that as founding members of the post-war international order and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France share a responsibility to enhance solidarity and contribute to global stability.

“The more complex the international situation becomes, the more China and France must make the right strategic choices,” Xi stressed.

Reaffirming China’s position on Europe, Xi said China supports the European Union in enhancing its strategic autonomy and playing a greater role in international affairs. He expressed readiness to work with the EU in addressing global challenges and achieving shared benefits for both sides and the international community.

President Macron, for his part, emphasized that France-China and EU-China relations are of global significance. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to the one-China principle and reiterated France’s willingness to deepen practical cooperation with China across sectors including trade and investment.

Macron also voiced support for maintaining the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and enhancing communication with China on major international issues. He underscored the shared responsibility of China and France, as UN Security Council permanent members, in preventing the escalation of global conflicts and preserving international peace and stability.

He further noted the importance of strengthened dialogue between the EU and China to protect common interests amid growing global uncertainties.

During their conversation, the two leaders also exchanged views on pressing international and regional matters, including the Ukraine crisis, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue.