Beijing and Paris are coming together in the name of global stability. Wang I, after a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, called for deeper cooperation, economic opening and an exchange of young leaders.
At the joint press conference in Paris Wang I, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and foreign minister, stressed that China and France should be "forces for stability, openness, inclusion and unity" in a turbulent world. The meeting took place within the framework of the seventh round of the China-France High Level Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges.
Strategic stability and peace
Wang I called for strengthening strategic communication between the two countries. The basis of mutual trust should be respect for core interests - The Chinese side appreciated France's continued support for the one-China policy. The minister said both countries should play a constructive role in crisis resolution such as Ukraine or the situation in the Middle East.
Open trade, no barriers
Wang criticized "some powers" for misuse of customs instruments "History proves that barriers and isolation lead nowhere," he said. China is ready buy more French products, to promote Chinese investment in France and to develop cooperation in nuclear energy, aviation, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Students, young leaders, regions
Great emphasis was placed on interpersonal contacts - plans to double exchange programmes for European youth, return students to China and expand internship programmes. "Heart to heart - that's the best way to bridge the differences between nations," Wang said. It is also to be renewed forum for regional cooperation and other events under the banner of China-France Carbon Neutrality Center.
Multilateral order and the role of the UN
In light of the 80th anniversary of the UN this year, Wang called for a stronger role for the UN. "The UN remains the main platform for world peace and global governance," he stressed. China wants to promote a law-based international system with France and is going to deepen strategic cooperation with the EU.
The shared vision of China and France is a world that is open, stable, inclusive and multilateral. And both countries want to lead the way.