Ambassador: China eyeing independent, win-win relations with France

China underlines independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. That's the 'China-France Spirit' that shapes the relationship between the two countries, says Lu Shaye, China's Ambassador to France. 

Briefing the media ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to France, Lu said the visit is of historic significance. He says President Xi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron are expected to deepened their communications on China-France ties and the China-Europe ties so as to promote both ties towards a stable and promising future.

Furthering exchanges in sci-tech communication

Eyeing the potential of cooperation between China and France, Lu noted how well the the two countries had worked together over the past 60 years, citing joint ventures in nuclear power, high-speed railways, aviation, agricultural production, medical care and public health.

"China is gearing up in the construction of a new development pattern and in building up high-quality development," he said. "France at the same time is faced with challenges such as the aging population, as well as digital and energy transition. 

"The two sides should deepen cooperation in newly emerged sections such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green manufacturing, sustainable development and silver economy."

He explained that by actively enlarging common beneficial interests, science and technology administrations in both countries have innovated the dialogue mechanism between the two countries, and jointly supported medium- and small-sized enterprises in their research and renovation. Under the circumstances, young talents from the two countries are able to communicate and work together.

"The people-to-people exchange and joint cultivation of talents have provided important support for the bilateral ties," said Lu. He said that by offering visa-free policies to six countries including France, China is expecting more visits by young French people, which can deepen mutual understanding.

Revisiting of China-France Spirit

Reviewing the friendship between the two countries, Lu said the head-of-states diplomacy between the two countries has been the pillar in the bilateral ties, acting as the strategic lead.

He mentioned the relations nurtured by previous leaders such as Chairman Mao Zedong and General Charles de Gaulle, saying that guided by the China-France Spirit, the bilateral ties have weathered the changing international landscape.

Lu highlighted General de Gaulle's significant legacy of diplomatic independence, expressing hope that France will uphold strategic autonomy and openness in cooperation, while at the same time driving Europe to form a more independent, objective, and friendly understanding of China. He said he believes that the state visit by President Xi will bring the both the friendship and bilateral ties to a new promising future.

Lu also addressed questions about the common ground where China and France could work together, such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis.

He reiterated China's stance of promoting negotiation and peace talks, adding that as two major powers, China and France will continue to maintain close communication and coordination on those issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to 10 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Aleksandar Vučić of the Republic of Serbia and President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary.

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