Beijing calls on France to ‘eliminate interference’ and push for better EU-China ties

China has called on France to stay independent on foreign policy and to urge the European Union to do the same to avoid US interference in the bloc’s troubled relationship with Beijing.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Paris could also push to repair and strengthen ties between China and the EU when it takes over the rotating presidency in January. He made the remarks on Wednesday in a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron.

It comes ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Friday, when China’s assertive posturing, especially over the Taiwan Strait, is expected to be high on the agenda.

Tensions have been rising over that and other issues including Beijing’s treatment of the Uygur Muslim minority in its Xinjiang region, which has led to tit-for-tat sanctions and the EU halting an investment agreement with China. But as the US seeks to rebuild the transatlantic alliance to counter China, Beijing wants to mend ties with Europe – and keep the bloc out of its rivalry with Washington.