'Sino-French Spirit' Promotes Stable and Healthy Relations

Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye emphasized that in an interview with Xinhua, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Paris (from May 6-7).

‘Tinh thần Trung-Pháp’ thúc đẩy quan hệ ổn định và lành mạnh

Tourists attend a tourism promotion event called "Hello China" (Nihao! China) at Paris Brongniart in Paris, France on January 30. (Source: Xinhua)

In the context of the current complex international situation, Ambassador Lu Shaye said that by adhering to the “Sino-French spirit”, the relationship between the two countries has long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries and is increasingly strategic, mature and stable.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France (1964-2024) in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping reminded French President Emmanuel Macron that the “Sino-French spirit” embodies independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation to maintain the stable and healthy development of bilateral relations in the long term.

Ambassador Lu Shaye pointed out that France is a key member of the European Union (EU) and China-France relations are an important part and strong driving force of China-EU relations.

In recent years, relevant departments of China and France have implemented the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries and continuously enriched the significance of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership through three high-level dialogue mechanisms, namely strategic dialogue, high-level economic and financial dialogue and high-level people-to-people exchange dialogue.

With the promotion of the above three mechanisms, Ambassador Lu Shaye emphasized, China-France relations have entered a new "fast track".

Last year, the two sides closely coordinated on bilateral relations, the Ukraine crisis, the Israel-Palestine conflict, climate change and other international hotspots and multilateral agendas, and continuously strengthened political trust.

He said both sides agreed to further strengthen practical cooperation and consolidate the healthy development momentum of economic and trade relations.

This year, the two countries held a series of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, including a commemorative event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in France at Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises - the former residence of General Charles de Gaulle, a concert to mark the 60th anniversary and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism at the Palace of Versailles, a Spring Festival parade at Place de la Republique in Paris, etc.

France is now China's third largest trading partner, the third largest source of real investment in the EU, while China is France's largest trading partner in Asia.

Besides strengthening cooperation in traditional fields, according to the Chinese diplomat, the two sides are actively expanding and exploiting the potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as green industry and clean energy.

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are approaching, China-France sports cooperation is expected to be further strengthened.

Commenting that the development of China-France relations is standing at a new historical starting point, Ambassador Lu Shaye said that the two countries should uphold their original aspirations when establishing diplomatic relations, look towards the future positively, and promote China-France relations to become increasingly stronger and more dynamic.

China and France established diplomatic relations on January 27, 1964. (Source: VCG)

Speaking at a press conference on April 29 about President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, Ambassador Lu Shaye said that the Chinese leader's first state visit of the year is a highlight in the year celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The visit is of particular significance in promoting the development of China-France and China-EU relations in the new era and influencing the development of the international scene.

President Xi Jinping's presence in Paris will provide an opportunity to review the "Sino-French spirit" and chart the future of bilateral relations from a historical and strategic perspective.

According to Ambassador Lu Shaye, as two major powers of the East and the West and as responsible powers, China and France will continue to maintain close communication and coordination on international and regional hotspot issues.

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