Foreign Ministry: China-France ties show vitality at the start of 2024

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and since the beginning of the year, the two sides have carried out a series of high-level exchanges, showing vitality and vigor, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to share relevant information about French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne's visit to China.

China and France are both great countries with the spirit of independence and autonomy, and the bilateral relations have always had strategic significance beyond the bilateral scope, Wang said.

Noting that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had met and talked with Sejourne, respectively, the spokesperson said the two sides had in-depth exchanges on China-France relations, China-Europe relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern, and achieved broad consensus.

He added that the ties between the two countries have a precious history and shoulder the mission of the times.

"Under the leadership of the two heads of state, the two countries should take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to closely communicate and coordinate, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and build the relationship to be more strategically stable, and to play a leading role in the world."

The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional areas, such as aerospace, nuclear energy, agriculture and finance, and actively explore new growth points of cooperation, such as green development and artificial intelligence, the spokesperson said, adding that the two sides also "agreed to organize activities for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Culture and Tourism, and deepen cooperation in the fields of science, education, sports and cultural heritage protection."

He said the two sides advocated properly handling differences through consultation, jointly maintaining the stability of the global production and supply chain and promoting the recovery of the global economy.

Wang also said the two sides will continue to maintain close communication on major international and regional issues, support each other's multilateral initiatives, and join hands to address global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity conservation, to inject more stability into a world beset by chaos.

"During this visit, the French side reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy, which China really appreciates," he said.

(Cover: China's Foreign Ministry. /CFP)