Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on Wednesday in Beijing with the two sides vowing to adhere to the strategic independence tradition.

Colonna is accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to China.

The more complicated the global situation is, the more China and France should adhere to strategic independence, Qin stressed.

China attaches great importance to Macron's visit to China, Qin said, adding the Chinese side is willing to work with the French side to promote the visit to achieve fruitful results and promote the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and practical cooperation in various fields to a higher level.

Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Qin said China is ready to hold a series of celebrations and high-level cultural and people-to-people exchanges with France, promote dialogue and cooperation at all levels in various fields and sectors, and uphold multilateralism.

Hailing the importance of bilateral ties, the French foreign minister said her country views France-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. She also thanked China for the elaborate arrangements made for Macron's visit.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang meets with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Beijing, China, April 5, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)