France and EU need new thrust in ties with China

Editor's note: Moulik Jahan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a strategic and security affairs analyst. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

China's relations with the West have begun to steadily add positive momentum. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna paid a visit to China from November 23–24 for the 6th meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges.

During President Macron's visit to China in April, Colonna was accompanied by him. Even though this is not her first trip to China, it is a very important one right now as it will help improve cooperation and communication. This will allow Europe, especially France, to be more practical in forging relationships with China.

The visit emphasizes the value of respect for one another, cooperation, and strategic partnership in advancing bilateral relations and addressing global challenges, particularly in China-EU relations, at a time when Sino-U.S. relations are stabilizing and the "new impetus" is emerging. This will allow the countries to attach to the pragmatic Sino-French partnership and their resolve to take that mutually beneficial relationship to a new level and enable bilateral cooperation to achieve new heights.

The visit also shows how strong relationships can be despite differences. This is a big step forward for the high-level negotiations between France and China; it shows a need for mutual understanding, accelerates French companies' investments in China, and increases economic cooperation. The goal of China's high-standard opening-up and high-quality development should open up even more markets for France.

Through this visit, relations between China and the EU and France could improve, as strained relations exist between Beijing and Brussels due to the EU's unwarranted protectionist action against China. France, one of the major EU players, has consistently contributed positively to the development of China-EU policy. To maintain positive relations between the EU and China, France ought to be a major player in the organization.

As a result, the French FM's visit to China will strengthen relations between China and the EU as well as France. The ninth China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue in July, the 24th China-France Strategic Dialogue in October, the fifth Sino-French Cultural Forum in Suzhou in November, the French President's visit to China in April, and France's active participation in the third BRI Forum and sixth CIIE are just a few examples of the recent, ongoing bilateral engagement between China and France. 

But this visit is the most recent indication of the close communication that the two nations have been maintaining over the last few months. There is a chance to strengthen ties between China and France ahead of their forthcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties' establishment.

Now, the French FM's support for closer ties with China suggests a possible change in the dynamics of the global economy, even though there are still obstacles to overcome, especially in light of China-EU relations. France and China should continue to place a high priority on strengthening their economic cooperation, integrating trade benefits, developing a shared bilateral understanding, and guaranteeing respect for each other's core interests. China-EU and China-France partnerships are strategically imperative for bridging gaps and barriers. Examining the critical role that comprehensive partnerships without trade barriers play in promoting economic growth, diplomatic relations, and security in the face of regional and global challenges is necessary.

A large space exists for promoting the connections. China and France ought to promote higher-level visits, people-to-people, tourist, and academic exchanges, trade and investment growth, and the introduction of diverse products into each other's markets. Along with nuclear energy, space exploration, and aviation, other emerging fields of cooperation that should be explored include environmental protection, digital economy, agriculture, food, cosmetics, mechanical and electronic products, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Given that France has welcomed Chinese investment in Europe's electric vehicle industry – maintaining strategic autonomy in its partnership with China – it is evident that France opposes any kind of decoupling, de-risking, protectionist action, or disruption of supply chains and industrial processes. Given that the EU has initiated protectionist measures against Chinese new electric vehicles (NEVs) and steel by initiating anti-subsidy investigations, France can play a structural role in removing various obstacles in this regard.

In order to carry out the agreement that the two leaders reached in April, China and France need to be prepared to collaborate. To create a multipolar, harmonious, and peaceful world, both must strengthen their bonds. Closer and more frequent communication and cooperation can improve mutual understanding and both parties' ability to resolve misunderstandings and discrepancies in business and trade.

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