Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron hail 60 years of China-France diplomatic relations
- In video speeches, Xi says the ties are always ‘at the forefront of China’s relations with Western countries’ and the two presidents pledge to cooperate on global issues
- Trade tensions have grown, with Paris sponsoring an EU investigation into China’s electric vehicle sector and Beijing probing subsidies in the French brandy industry
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron delivered video speeches to an event toasting 60 years of bilateral relations on Thursday, as speculation swirls that Xi could visit Paris in the coming months.
Xi urged France to “jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and economic globalisation”, Xinhua reported, amid growing fragmentation in global trade.
The Elysée did not immediately release President Macron’s remarks, but he was reported to have said that “France is willing to join hands with China to address global challenges and promote the resolution of international crises”.
Diplomatic ties between France and the People’s Republic of China were launched by Charles de Gaulle and Mao Zedong in 1964, with a series of commemorative events expected this year.
Media reports claim that Xi will make his first European trip since the pandemic to France this spring, although neither side has confirmed the visit.