President of France Emmanuel Macron underscored the significance of Franco-Chinese ties and France’s commitment to fostering stable relations between the EU and China, viewing China as an important partner in the economy, energy, and humanitarian initiatives.
A meeting with the head of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, in Beijing during a press conference confirmed France’s intent to strengthen dialogue with China and to jointly advance economic and humanitarian cooperation.
«France and China maintain close high-level contacts and have always trusted and respected one another. France attaches special importance to its relations with the PRC, firmly adheres to the One China policy, and is ready to deepen a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries»
– Macron
In economic terms, Macron called on China to actively develop mutual investments and expand trade cooperation in areas such as renewable energy and humanitarian aid.
«We welcome the increase of Chinese investments in France and are ready to provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from the PRC»
– Macron
Moreover, he expressed Paris’s willingness to engage in settlement of disputes in Europe-Asia-China relations and to support an open dialogue between the EU and China.
«France aims to foster healthy and stable development of relations between the European Union and China and believes that the EU and China should maintain dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation»
– Macron
According to the French president, the EU should outline a framework for increasing Chinese investments in Europe so that they generate added value and create new jobs.
«Europe must reform to be more competitive and invest more. The Chinese government is pursuing a course to strengthen domestic consumption, so we must find the framework conditions to increase direct Chinese investments in Europe that would create added value and new jobs»
– Macron
France’s stance on China remains balanced: support for dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation is complemented by responsible economic policy in response to contemporary global challenges.