BEIJING: Stephane Sejourne, France’s newly appointed minister for Europe and foreign affairs, embarked on a whirlwind itinerary during his inaugural visit to China at the start of this week. This diplomatic endeavor underscores the significance Beijing attributes to its relations with Paris. Notably, Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi accorded him individual audiences, underscoring the importance China places on nurturing bilateral ties.
During their discussions, Premier Li emphasized the imperative of fostering a stable China-France relationship and championed collaborative efforts to instill greater certainty into global development through multilateral cooperation. China-France relations hold a distinguished position within China’s interactions with major Western powers, yielding benefits not only for the citizens of both nations but also exerting a profound influence on the global stage. Sejourne’s inaugural trip to China reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two nations. Amid global challenges like the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict, China and France exhibit a willingness to transcend differences and collaborate on shared interests. Amidst the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the designation of this year as the Year of China-France Cultural and Tourism Exchange, both nations are poised to deepen their bilateral ties.
Notable developments include China’s relaxation of its unilateral visa-exemption policy for select European nations and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s constructive visit to Europe earlier in the year, signaling a proactive engagement approach. Furthermore, the resumption of exchanges at all levels and comprehensive cooperation across various sectors since the year’s onset exemplify the robustness of China’s partnerships in Europe.
Wang articulated mutual aspirations to spearhead initiatives in key domains including international solidarity, innovation-driven development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and intercultural dialogue.Additionally, both sides pledged to facilitate enhanced people-to-people exchanges and deepen collaboration across diverse sectors such as science, education, sports, and cultural heritage preservation. This concerted effort underscores the shared resolve to cultivate a robust and enduring partnership, anchored in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity between China and France.
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the contemporary global landscape, the recent visit of the French foreign minister underscores the imperative for major nations like China and France to assume the role of stabilizers in an increasingly divided world. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, both nations have transcended bloc confrontations, demonstrating a shared commitment to advocating for a “two-state solution” to the longstanding Palestine-Israel conflict. –Agencies
