French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Elysee Palace on Friday, aiming to strengthen multilateralism and enhance global stability amid increasing international challenges.
Macron conveyed his best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping through Wang Yi, emphasizing the broad consensus between France and China on advocating multilateralism and adhering to international laws.
“As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, France and China bear great responsibilities in a world facing growing uncertainty,” Macron stated. “We look forward to strengthening policy coordination on international economic, financial, and global governance issues.”
He highlighted the desire to prevent the world from falling into hegemonic conflicts and bloc confrontations. Macron also expressed optimism about deepening France-China relations, welcoming more Chinese investment to build a balanced economic and trade relationship. “The European Union and China should make strategic choices to become each other’s predictable and trustworthy friends and partners,” he added.
Wang Yi conveyed President Xi’s warm regards, stating that China is eager to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. “China and France are comprehensive strategic partners and two major stabilizing forces in the world,” Wang noted. “The more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more the strategic value of China-France relations is highlighted.”
Emphasizing that the trend of multipolarization is unstoppable and globalization is irreversible, Wang Yi called for strengthening the United Nations’ core role. “China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and cooperation with France, jointly practice multilateralism, oppose unilateral bullying, and resist bloc confrontations,” he said.
Discussing economic ties, Wang Yi highlighted China’s commitment to high-quality development and building an open economic system. “China hopes that France will provide a more favorable and fair environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate,” he stated.
The two sides also exchanged views on pressing international issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the situation in Gaza, and the Iranian nuclear issue.
