On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioned that protectionism poses a significant threat to Europe’s competitiveness. Speaking during a meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Counselor to the French President, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Wang emphasized that engaging in a trade war serves neither Europe’s nor China’s interests.
“Protectionism is detrimental to Europe’s competitiveness,” Wang stated. “We hope the European side will demonstrate sincerity and engage in serious consultations with China to resolve trade disputes in a mutually acceptable manner.”
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed China’s commitment to deepening comprehensive reforms and expanding high-level opening-up. He welcomed France to seize the opportunity to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
Emmanuel Bonne responded positively, indicating France’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as artificial intelligence and maritime affairs. “We are keen to continue expanding bilateral investment,” Bonne said, noting that Europe and China can fully resolve differences through consultation and strive to avoid a trade war.
In a separate meeting on the same day, Wang Yi met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Highlighting that both China and France are independent major countries, Wang called for mutual respect and cooperation for mutual benefit. “We should enhance exchanges for mutual learning to promote the continuous fruitful development of China-France relations,” he said.
Barrot reaffirmed France’s adherence to the one-China principle and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with China. “This position will not change,” he assured. Barrot added that both France and the European Union do not wish to engage in a trade war with China and hope to find ways to achieve fair trade.
Reference(s):
Chinese FM Wang Yi: Protectionism hurts Europe's competitiveness
cgtn.com
