China and France are set to build a closer relationship following a recent meeting between the two nations’ presidents. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and held in-depth discussions. The talks were described as a “success” by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and both countries’ foreign ministers expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation and develop a “close and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership”. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang suggested that China was ready to work alongside France to accelerate cooperation and exchanges in various fields, promote high-quality development, and expand two-way opening-up, thereby producing mutual benefits.
The meeting was viewed as particularly successful, given the global pandemic, which has made frequent international travel and face-to-face diplomacy more complicated and less convenient. The fact that President Macron still made the journey to visit his Chinese counterpart in person suggests that both France and China regard the relationship between their two countries as essential and not simply a matter of convenience.
Given this strategic partnership, both countries can expect various opportunities to foster healthy and profitable collaborations and undertake mutually beneficial projects. The statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated the two leaders have cleared the path for future collaborations, using expressions such as vital importance and deeper understanding of each other’s strengths.
France has recognised the significance of building closer economic ties with China, as such a partnership would be mutually beneficial and important in furthering their bilateral relationship. The Chinese government has always viewed Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner and has supported their autonomy in developing economic and political capabilities. China has stated that its relationship with France and the EU is not targeted at any third parties but exists for the mutual benefit of all parties involved.
Moreover, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined how the country is committed to working alongside the EU and other countries to pursue mutual benefits and explore scopes of cooperation in various fields. Both countries’ foreign ministers emphasised the significance of communication to seek more common grounds on major international and regional issues. By developing and promoting mutually beneficial projects and partnerships with China, France will create new avenues for stimulating its economy and strengthening the country’s position on the world stage.
The significance of the meeting between the two world leaders cannot be overstated. Even though the meeting was kept predominantly low-key, the decisions taken are likely to have far-reaching implications for both China and France, in addition to positively impacting the global landscape. Both countries have an excellent opportunity to capitalise on their strengths and forge ahead with projects that will benefit their economies, people and strategic interests.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between France and China has set the stage for the creation of a stronger, deeper, and more enduring strategic partnership between the two nations. The governments of both countries are committed to working together to pursue mutually beneficial projects plus support the continuous growth of the relationship beyond their current boundaries. By deepening their cooperation, they can ensure that the significant contributions they make to the global economy continues.
