China values France's role as an independent major country and is willing to explore a political solution to the Ukraine crisis for a ceasefire as soon as possible together with the international society including France, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

China adopted an objective and impartial attitude on the Ukraine issue and remains committed to promoting peace talks, the senior Chinese diplomat stressed.

Wang told Macron that China considers France a cooperative partner and is willing to further high-level communications to inject new energy to China-Europe relations.

He noted that the Chinese economy is recovering rapidly after the optimization of COVID-19 measures, and China is ready to resume communications in all realms with France.

Macron, for his part, congratulated China on the success of the 20th CPC National Congress, adding he looked forward to meeting with President Xi Jinping to renew friendship, promote cooperation and create a better future.

Noting that France attaches great importance to its relationship with China, Macron stressed that it was of great significance to strengthen strategic dialogue between the two countries.

In the face of the increasingly complicated international situation, France and China should work together to maintain stability and balance, uphold multilateralism, oppose bloc confrontations, and avoid the world being broken apart, the French president added.

He also expressed his wish to promote bilateral cooperation in climate exchange, biodiversity and marine environment protection. 

The senior Chinese diplomat is currently on a tour to Europe. He will visit France, Italy, Hungary and Russia from February 14 to 22, and will also attend the 59th Munich Security Conference.

New impetus

Wang also met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna on Wednesday and vowed to comprehensively promote dialogue and exchange between the two countries in various sectors.

The cooperation between China and France will give new impetus to China-Europe relations and play a constructive role in maintaining world peace, stability and equity, Wang said.

He called on China and France to continue implementing multilateralism, defending free trade and strengthening international cooperation in science and technology.

Wang also hoped that the French side would provide a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises.

For her part, Colonna said China's fast economic and social recovery is good news for the world.

She is looking forward to further strengthening the cooperation between the two countries such as promoting the exchange of international students and scholars, enhancing scientific and cultural cooperation, and celebrating the 60th year of diplomatic relations between China and France in 2024.

The French foreign minister also wished that flights between the two countries will be restored to the pre-epidemic level as soon as possible.

The French side adheres to the one-China policy and the position will not change, Colonna noted.