Beijing, China — In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, China and France have vowed to work together to oppose “decoupling and breaking the chain” in global trade and cooperation. The commitment came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Beijing on Thursday.
Amid shifting international landscapes, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of choosing dialogue over confrontation and win-win cooperation over decoupling. “Both sides should push the global governance system toward a more just and reasonable direction,” Wang stated, highlighting the need for strategic coordination between the two nations.
Barrot echoed this sentiment, noting that the France-China relationship holds even greater significance in today’s world of increased uncertainty and rising protectionism. “France has always regarded China as an important partner,” he said, reaffirming France’s adherence to the one-China policy and its commitment to developing future-oriented, long-term, and stable relations with China.
Joint Efforts in Climate Change and Innovation
Following their meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement on combating climate change, pledging to enhance international cooperation and uphold multilateralism while firmly supporting the Paris Agreement.
Wang Yi expressed China’s interest in deepening cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, nuclear energy, aviation, and aerospace. He also highlighted opportunities in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, digital economy, intelligent connected vehicles, green hydrogen, and biomanufacturing. “China regards France as a priority partner in realizing high-quality development,” Wang remarked.
Barrot positively assessed the outcomes of their practical cooperation, stating that France is willing to transcend differences through high-quality dialogue and mutually beneficial collaboration. He emphasized France’s support for free trade and opposition to decoupling and trade wars.
Enhancing China-EU Relations
The ministers also addressed China-European Union relations. Wang Yi noted that China and the EU share more cooperation than competition and more consensus than differences. He expressed hope that both sides could work together to resolve differences and usher in new prospects for China-EU relations.
“China firmly supports European integration and backs the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy,” Wang stated. Barrot affirmed France’s support for dialogue between Europe and China to resolve trade disputes through negotiations, highlighting the necessity for both sides to strengthen strategic coordination to maintain world peace and stability.
Looking ahead, Wang Yi announced that China and France will hold three high-level dialogues this year on strategic, economic, financial, and cultural issues. He added that China will encourage more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in France.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Jean-Noel Barrot signifies a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation and resisting global trade fragmentation, setting a hopeful tone for future China-France relations.
