In a significant address on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s readiness to elevate the comprehensive exchanges and cooperation with France, ushering the China-France relationship into a new era of heightened productivity.
President Xi delivered these remarks at the conclusion of the sixth meeting of the China-France Business Council in Paris. This year holds particular significance as it marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Drawing upon the symbolism of completing a cycle in the traditional Chinese calendar, Xi underscored the importance of bridging the past with the future, signaling a commitment to deepen bilateral ties.
“Looking ahead, we are poised to collaborate with France in enriching the economic and trade facets of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership,” Xi affirmed.
He highlighted China’s ongoing commitment to leveraging mechanisms like the “French farm to Chinese dining table” whole-chain rapid coordination mechanism to facilitate the import of high-quality agricultural products such as cheese, ham, and wine from France to Chinese households.
Furthermore, President Xi announced China’s decision to extend the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China for citizens of 12 countries, including France, until the end of 2025.
Xi urged both China and France to bolster China-Europe mutually beneficial cooperation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining business relations separate from political, ideological, or security considerations. “China stands ready to proactively open up its service sector, including telecommunications and medical services, fostering a broader market to offer more opportunities for French and European enterprises,” he added.
Recognizing China and France’s roles as independent major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Xi called for increased leadership and support for global governance, advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world and genuine multilateralism.
Xi emphasized China’s ongoing comprehensive reform efforts, including expanding institutional openness, broadening market access, and streamlining the negative list for foreign investment. These reforms, he stressed, will create additional avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation between France, China, and other nations.
“We extend a warm welcome to French entrepreneurs to actively engage in China’s modernization journey and seize the opportunities presented by China’s development,” Xi concluded, inviting French businesses to participate and prosper in China’s dynamic landscape.
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