China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and major independent countries, shoulder important responsibilities in upholding international peace, stability and development, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang, 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, made the remarks while holding talks with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, in Beijing.

Noting that the strategic guidance of the two heads of state reflects the high level and special nature of bilateral relations, Wang said China stands ready to work with France to achieve greater progress in bilateral cooperation and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

China values the recent passage by the French Parliament of a bill to facilitate the return of colonial-era looted artifacts, and is ready to strengthen cooperation with France in this regard to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, Wang said.

Against the backdrop of growing global turmoil, it is necessary for both countries to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, jointly address global challenges, and advance the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve sound and steady development free from various forms of interference, Wang said.

He stressed that the foundation of China-France relations lies in solid political mutual trust, and that the key is mutual respect for each other's core interests. He expressed hope that France will abide by the one-China principle in practice, refrain from any form of official interaction with Taiwan authorities, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Indicating that China and Europe are always partners rather than rivals, Wang said he hopes France will play a positive and constructive role in encouraging the EU to adopt a correct and rational perception of China and pursue a practical and open economic and trade policy toward China.

Bonne said France highly values the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two heads of state, adding that France fully understands the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan question, adheres to the one-China policy, and will not change its position on the issue.

France looks forward to working closely with China to find constructive solutions to global crises, he said, adding that given the current international situation, it is crucial to maintain dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China.

Noting that the EU needs China and hopes to become a mutually reliable partner with China, Bonne added that France is ready to play an active role in promoting EU-China dialogue and cooperation.

The two sides also had in-depth exchanges of views on issues of common concern, including global economic governance and the situation in the Middle East.