Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China proposes an “independent, impartial and professional” investigation into last week's chemical attack on a rebel-held town in Syria, as accusations and counter-accusations about who to blame continue to rage.

Wang made the remarks during a press conference with his visiting French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault following their meeting in Beijing. The two sides held discussions touching on current international issues, including Syria, the DPRK nuclear issue and the Middle East. They also exchanged views on the promotion of mutual interests, focusing on anti-protectionism, aviation, nuclear power, anti-terrorism, human exchanges and tourism.

Wang said China will work closely with France to ensure a successful 19th China-Europe Leaders Meeting this year. He also said he is confident that there will be a bright future for bilateral ties, no matter the result of the upcoming French presidential election.

On the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Wang said China insists on conducting an individual and fair investigation - a stance Ayrault called a wise decision. The French minister said that the priority in resolving the Syrian crisis is to establish a ceasefire and begin a political process.

As for the DPRK nuclear issue, Wang said there are opportunities amid the tension. China will offer practical plans to foster dialogue, and China is open to suggestions in regard to making the dialogue possible, either official or unofficial, bilateral or multi-lateral. 

This is Ayrault’s third visit to China as minister of foreign affairs and international development. He is expected to expand the high-level dialogue developed in recent months with the Chinese authorities against a backdrop of great uncertainty, both at global and regional levels. 

During his two-day visit, Ayrault also met with the Chinese State Councilor for International Relations Yang Jiechi,and China's Vice Premier Liu Yandong.