Xi Jinping says China to work with France to urge halting hostilities during Paris Olympics

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China is ready to work with France to advocate for a cessation of hostilities around the world during the Paris Olympic Games.

Xi made the remarks when he jointly met the press with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

The Chinese president outlined China's position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis.

Noting that the prolonged tragedy of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a test for human conscience, Xi called on all parties to work for an immediate, comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

He reiterated China's support of Palestine's full membership in the UN and restarting the two-state solution in order to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East region.

In terms of China's position on the Ukraine crisis, Xi said China opposes attempts to use the crisis to scapegoat or smear a third country or to stoke a new Cold War. "China did not start the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to or a participant in it. Instead of being an onlooker, we have been playing an important role for peace," Xi said.

He called on holding an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. Xi urged the two sides to embark on a new journey for the next 60 years of China-France relations.

China aims to consolidate the strategic stability of bilateral relations, said Xi, adding that he welcomes Macron to visit China again.

He said China will tap into the vast potential for mutually beneficial cooperation with France and speed up efforts in people-to-people exchanges.

During the visit, the two sides signed 18 cooperation agreements between government agencies, covering areas such as aviation, agriculture, people-to-people exchange, green development, and cooperation of small- and medium-sized enterprise .

China supports France to host the 2024 Paris Olympics and welcomes more French friends to visit China, Xi told reporters, noting that China has decided to extend the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China for citizens of 12 countries, including France, until the end of 2025.

The Chinese president said China is willing to work with France and other countries to develop friendly and cooperative relations based on mutual respect for a better future.

Xi arrived in Paris, France on Sunday for the first of his three state visits to Europe. He will then travel to Serbia and Hungary.