China, France hold 26th strategic dialogue

China, France hold 26th strategic dialogue setting the tone for strengthened bilateral cooperation.

Wang Yi, a member of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the 26th China-France Strategic Dialogue with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, in Beijing on Saturday.

Wang Yi highlighted the consistent engagement between the two nations’ leaders over the past year while emphasizing that this interaction has set the tone for strengthening China-France and China-Europe relations. He affirmed China’s willingness to collaborate with France to ensure their bilateral ties remain a driving force for China-Europe relations and contribute to global peace and stability.

Wang outlined four key objectives to advance these relations: first, align actions with the consensus reached by their leaders and develop more positive bilateral agendas; second, advance pragmatic cooperation by leveraging traditional strengths and exploring new opportunities in modern industries; third, enhance people-to-people exchanges, building on the momentum of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism; and fourth, jointly uphold the principles of multilateralism.

Emmanuel Bonne reiterated France’s commitment to its long-standing friendship and mutual trust with China. He assured adherence to the one-China policy, emphasized maintaining high-level exchanges, and expressed readiness to ensure the success of dialogue mechanisms. Bonne also stressed France’s aim to set ambitious targets, foster innovative cooperation, reject bloc-based confrontation, and uphold its independent foreign policy stance.

Both nations agreed to deepen multilateral cooperation in areas like climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation. They also explored China-Europe economic and trade issues, with Wang Yi urging Europe to adopt a constructive approach and resolve differences through dialogue. Bonne noted that France opposes trade wars and supports mutually beneficial Europe-China partnerships.

The two sides also exchanged views on pressing international issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the Iranian nuclear program, and the Middle East situation.