During his visit to Paris, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his desire for China and France to illuminate their path ahead using the torch of history. He emphasized the importance of forging a brighter future for China-France relations and making significant contributions to global peace, stability, and development.
Xi delivered the statement in a written address upon his arrival in France for an official visit. He expressed his intention to engage in detailed discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on the development of China-France and China-Europe relations in the current global context, as well as on key international and regional matters. Xi emphasized his desire for the visit to strengthen the enduring friendship between the two nations, foster political trust, establish strategic agreement, and promote collaboration across various sectors. He expressed his delight at commencing his third state visit to France, following previous visits in 2014 and 2019 to commemorate significant milestones in diplomatic relations. Xi conveyed his sense of familiarity and gratitude towards France as they mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, extending warm greetings and well wishes on behalf of the Chinese government and people to their French counterparts.
Xi mentioned that China and France, as significant representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, have a rich history of mutual admiration and respect. French Enlightenment thinkers began studying Chinese culture centuries ago, and prominent French intellectuals and writers like Voltaire, Diderot, Hugo, and Balzac are well-known in China. He also highlighted that 60 years ago, the two nations overcame Cold War divisions and established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Over the past six decades, their bilateral relations have consistently kept pace with China’s interactions with Western nations, serving as a model for countries with different social systems to peacefully coexist and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation. Xi further emphasized that in recent years, the China-France relationship has reached new heights, with ongoing advancements in cooperation across various sectors such as aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, agrifood, and green development.
He said that the two countries enjoy close coordination and cooperation on climate response, biodiversity protection and global governance, adding that activities of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism are unfolding across the board.
“A growing China-France relationship not only brings benefits to both peoples, but also provides stability and positive energy to the turbulent world,” Xi said.
The Chinese president was received by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal at Paris Orly airport and warmly welcomed by overseas Chinese upon arrival.
