Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, co-chairs the 24th China-France Strategic Dialogue with French President's Diplomatic Counselor Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2023.

 China and Europe are partners, not rivals, and their common interests far outweigh their differences. It is hoped that the EU will carry out cooperation with China in a more pragmatic and rational manner, avoid external interference, ensure mutual openness, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, told the French President's Diplomatic Counselor Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing on Monday while co-chairing the 24th China-France Strategic Dialogue.

The two sides held 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.

Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. This is both a milestone and a new starting point, and is of special significance to China, France, China and the world, Wang noted. 

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, Wang said.

Bonne said that France is committed to promoting EU-China cooperation. Europe and China can strengthen coordination on international hot-spot issues and show the world that both sides can play an important role together.

Sixty years ago, China and France made the political decision to establish diplomatic relations, breaking the barriers of the Cold War and promoting the process of democratization and multipolarization of international relations. Today's world is at risk of division again. The times call on China and France to reassess the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, join hands to safeguard the core role of the UN, advocate and practice true multilateralism, resist confrontation between camps, and jointly respond to global challenges, Wang said. 

Wang continued that China is ready to work with France to follow through on the important common understandings of the two heads of state, cement the public support, continuously advance cooperation potential in the post-pandemic era, consolidate political mutual trust, and push the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

China welcomes more French companies to invest and establish operations in China, and also hopes that France will provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese companies, Wang noted. 

France attaches great importance to developing relations with China and China's status and role in the world. It has confidence in China's economy and has no intention of restricting China's development, Bonne told Wang. 

The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China in 2024 is an important opportunity for the consolidation and renewal of relations between the two countries. France is willing to work with China to jointly plan celebration activities, deepen cooperation in various fields, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Bonne said. 

The two sides also exchanged views on issues including China-EU relations, the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, climate change, and artificial intelligence. 

Global Times