Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also met with Barrot. Our reporter You Yang has more.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this year marks a new beginning after China and France celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic ties last year. He added that China is willing to work with France to strengthen dialogue in various fields and at all levels, deepen cooperation, and make a good start for the development of bilateral relations in the future.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Paris always regards Beijing as an important partner and firmly adheres to the one-China principle. He added that France supports free trade, and opposes decoupling and trade wars.

YOU YANG Beijing "After the meeting, the two meet the press at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here in Beijing and take questions from media outlets from both sides, regarding to the development of China-France relations as well as international issues of common concerns."

WANG YI Chinese Foreign Minister "The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in 1964 was a milestone in the history of international relations. In the context of the Cold War at that time, this decision by China and France fully reflected the strategic vision and historical initiative of major powers."

JEAN-NOEL BARROT French Foreign Minister "We are encountering even more uncertainties in today's international community. The increase of conflicts threatens the stability of the world. Our two countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council. We have these special responsibilities to find the ways together to respond to the international community, overcoming the differences between Western countries and other nations, as well as differences between developed countries and developing countries."

The two also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang Yi said China and the EU have more cooperation than competition, more consensus than differences, and it is entirely possible to develop a better relationship.

Barrot responded that France supports dialogue between Europe and China, and to resolve trade disputes through negotiations.

After the meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement on coping with climate change, in which China and France vowed to enhance international cooperation on the issue and uphold multilateralism, while firmly supporting the Paris Agreement.

YOU YANG Beijing "China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council, and this is French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's first visit to China after he took office in September. Last year, China and France celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier said Beijing hopes to work with France to consolidate trust, uphold openness and win-win cooperation while safeguarding multilateralism. You Yang, CGTN, Beijing."