China, France vow to uphold multilateralism

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Europe

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on France to jointly uphold multilateralism with China during a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president.

Unilateralism, protectionism and bullying are seriously affecting the international economic order and have had a negative impact on global governance and even world peace and stability, Wang said.

China and France, as big countries that advocate independence and have global influence, should strengthen strategic coordination and work together to play a role in safeguarding world peace and maintaining international order, he stressed.

Wang called on the two sides to promote the unanimous and positive voice of the G20 Osaka summit.

"First, we must maintain multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as its core," he said.

"Second, we must carry forward the spirit of partnership and strengthen coordination on macro policies… Third, we must highlight development, promote the balance of the world economy and inclusive development, and implement the 2030 sustainable development agenda."

Wang added that China is willing to continue to promote the implementation of the Paris Agreement with the French side and promote global green, low-carbon and sustainable development.

Bonne said France and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, attach great importance to and always adhere to multilateralism and international cooperation.

The two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation on major global and regional issues such as the G20 affairs, climate change and the Iran nuclear issue, he added.