Paris, May 6, 2024 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on Monday, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. The two leaders agreed to deepen their countries’ strategic partnership, explore new avenues for cooperation, and address pressing global challenges.
Strengthening Strategic Relations
President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of consolidating the strategic stability of China-France relations. “We agree that the China-France relationship has a precious history, unique values, and an important mission,” Xi stated. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other’s core interests and enhancing policy communication through multi-level channels.
Expanding Mutual Cooperation
The leaders highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, aiming to balance bilateral trade and expand collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, finance, aviation, aerospace, and civil nuclear energy. They also agreed to advance joint research and innovation in emerging areas like green energy, smart manufacturing, bio-medicine, artificial intelligence, and third-party markets.
“China has fully opened up its manufacturing sector and will move faster to expand market access in the service sector,” President Xi announced. The two countries signed 18 cooperation agreements covering aviation, agriculture, people-to-people exchange, green development, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) cooperation.
Enhancing People-to-People Exchanges
Recognizing the importance of cultural ties, both leaders agreed to accelerate people-to-people exchanges in education, sports, film and television, youth, and subnational cooperation. President Xi expressed support for France hosting the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and welcomed more visitors from France to China.
China plans to extend the short-stay visa-exemption policy for French citizens to the end of 2025 and supports opening direct flights between Shanghai and Marseilles. Efforts will be made to increase the number of French students in China to over 10,000 and double the number of young Europeans participating in exchange programs over the next three years.
Building Consensus on Global Cooperation
The two leaders committed to deepening cooperation on global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and artificial intelligence governance. China supports France in hosting the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and encourages partnerships between their national parks and nature reserves.
Addressing International Conflicts
President Xi underscored China’s role as a responsible major country in promoting global peace. “We advocate, on the occasion of the Paris Olympic Games, a cessation of hostilities around the world during the Games,” he said.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Xi called for an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. He expressed support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and the restoration of its legitimate national rights, advocating for the two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, President Xi reiterated that China did not start the conflict nor is it a party to it. “Instead of being an onlooker, we have been playing an important role in realizing peace,” he noted. China opposes using the crisis to scapegoat or smear a third country or to stoke a new Cold War. Xi called on all parties to resume dialogue and engage in fair discussions on peace plans, supporting the idea of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine.
A Vision for the Future
As China marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi reflected on the country’s transformative journey. “One thing remains unchanged — our peace-loving and kind nature, our open-mindedness and inclusiveness, and our pursuit of fairness and justice,” he affirmed.
China stands ready to develop friendly relations and cooperation with France and all other countries based on mutual respect. “We move forward together in the face of common challenges and build a better future together,” Xi concluded.
Source: Remarks by President Xi Jinping at the Joint Meeting with the Press with President Emmanuel Macron.
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Full text of Xi's remarks at joint meeting with the press with Macron
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