China’s President Xi Jinping urged a continuation and strengthening of China-European relations at a China-France-EU trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Élysée Palace in Paris on May 6.
In a statement, President Xi said China regards Europe as an important dimension in its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and an important partner on its path toward Chinese modernization.
President Xi’s two-day visit to France is the first part of a European tour, the first such trip in five years.
He said it is hoped that China-France and China-EU relations would reinforce each other and thrive together.
“As the world enters a new period of turbulence and transformation, China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, should continue to see each other as partners, stay committed to dialogue and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, build strategic consensus, carry out strategic coordination, work for steady and sound growth of China-EU ties, and continue making new contributions to world peace and development.”
President Xi is in France for his third state visit at the invitation of President Macron – this year the two countries are commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties.
In a statement upon his arrival, President Xi said he intends to have an “in-depth exchange of views” on strengthening China-France and China-EU relations.
“During my visit, I will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Macron on growing China-France and China-Europe relations under the new circumstances as well as major international and regional issues in the world today. I hope this visit will help cement our long-standing friendship, enhance political trust, build strategic consensus and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields. I hope our two countries will light up our way forward with the torch of history, open a brighter future of China-France relations and make new contributions to world peace, stability and development.”
Macron said the future of the European continent depends on the development of balanced relations with China, adding that the meeting would address trade issues as well as efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Macron recently visited China in April 2023.
After France on Monday and Tuesday, President Xi will head to Serbia and Hungary.
According to the Associated Press, US President Joe Biden is expected to pay his own state visit to France in a month’s time.
