Wang Yi urges France to foster positive China-EU economic relations

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that France will view China-EU economic and trade relations with a positive and open attitude. He encouraged the EU to meet China halfway and play a constructive role in consultations and negotiations between the two sides.

Wang made these remarks on Thursday during phone talks with Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic counselor to the French president.

For his part, Bonne outlined France's views and concerns regarding recent EU-China economic and trade relations, emphasizing that France attaches great importance to the cooperative consensus reached by the two heads of state. He stated that Europe adheres to its strategic independence, aims to foster a fair business environment, and does not intend to exclude Chinese companies and products from the European market, expressing hope for finding a proper solution through consultation.

Noting that France is an important economic and trade partner of China within the EU, Wang stated that healthy China-EU economic and trade relations serve the common interests of both sides. He recalled their in-depth discussions on China-EU trade frictions during the UN General Assembly, where they both agreed that China and the EU should avoid a trade war and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation.

Wang highlighted that China and France are comprehensive strategic partners, and the two heads of state have provided strategic guidance for bilateral ties. He added that in light of the evolving international situation, China-France relations have demonstrated unique strategic value and global significance.

Wang expressed confidence that both sides possess the political wisdom to properly handle differences in specific areas, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and the need to maintain communication, dialogue and coordinated efforts to sustain the development momentum of bilateral relations.

Wang also reiterated China's principled stance on the Taiwan question. Bonne affirmed that France respects China's sovereignty and will continue to pursue the one-China policy, assuring that this position will not change.

(Cover: A new energy vehicles manufacturing base in the city of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 31, 2024. /CFP）