China and France agree to enhance strategic dialogue

As responsible great powers, China and France should take the lead in strategic cooperation, said China’s leading diplomat Wang Yi.

China is ready to restart the dialogue mechanism in the fields of strategy, finance and people-to-people exchanges in the post-pandemic period, Wang affirmed.

The director of the Foreign Affairs Commission Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee hosted the 23rd China-France Strategic Dialogue with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, during a visit to the country.

A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the two sides agreed that the healthy and steady development of the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership is significant.

They announced in detail the agreement on strengthening the leading role of head of state diplomacy, increasing political mutual trust and deepening practical cooperation.

The senior Chinese diplomat also talked about strengthening cooperation in the fields of civil nuclear energy, aviation, medical care and public health, agriculture and food, tourism and culture, and third-party cooperation.

2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and Wang urged the two countries to plan high-level exchanges and anniversary activities.

Bonne said he expects new progress in cooperation in all sectors, according to the ministry’s statement.

France actively participates in the Belt and Road forum for international cooperation and continues to coordinate international affairs with China. The country decided to lift restrictions on Chinese tourists upon Wang’s arrival. Wang Yi welcomed the decision, saying it will help increase communication.

The parties also exchanged ideas on global debt, climate change, biological diversity, food security and the crisis in Ukraine.