China, France should strengthen dialogue, jointly address challenges, says FM

China and France should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, consolidate political mutual trust, and jointly address various risks and challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

During a phone call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that both nations are founding UN members and permanent Security Council members.

The two countries maintaining communication and strengthening coordination on developments and changes in the international environment are important for safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core, Wang said.

China is ready to work with France to fulfill their special responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council and safeguard the common interests of the international community, he said.

Wang called on both countries to implement the consensus reached by their heads of state, saying that maintaining the healthy and stable development of China-France relations serves the interests of both countries and the international community. 

He expressed the hope that France would honor its commitment to the one-China principle through concrete actions and safeguard the political foundation of China-France relations.

China and the European Union (EU) stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, Wang said, calling on Brussels to work with Beijing to build stable and balanced trade ties as key trading partners.

Wang said he believes France, as a core EU member, will play a constructive role in this regard.

Barrot said France has consistently attached great importance to China's status as a major country and remains committed to the one-China policy.

France hopes to maintain high-level engagement with China, deepen strategic mutual trust, and strengthen communication and coordination on major issues like UN affairs and artificial intelligence, in order to jointly uphold multilateralism, safeguard global security and stability, and promote common development and prosperity, he said.

Barrot added that France stands ready to play an active role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern, including the election of UN secretary-general.