Li calls for Sino-French efforts to uphold global stability

Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the global significance of ties between China and France, saying that the sound political mutual trust enables the two countries to see "stability, certainty and common development opportunities", rather than risks, in their interdependence.

Li made the remarks on Wednesday when delivering a speech during a dinner hosted by the Chinese and French business communities in Paris to welcome him.

The premier arrived in the French capital on Wednesday afternoon after concluding his official visit to Germany. French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and more than 100 representatives from the business communities of the two countries attended the welcoming event.

Noting that interdependence is an inevitable result of economic globalization, Li called on both countries to jointly uphold the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. He expressed his appreciation for the French government's opposition to bloc confrontations, decoupling and disruption of industrial and supply chains.

It is hoped that Chinese and French entrepreneurs will firmly support economic globalization, take action for open and win-win cooperation, and jointly maintain the stability and resilience of the industrial and supply chains between China and France and between China and Europe, he added.

The premier's remarks came amid rising rhetoric from some Western countries about "de-risking" from China. Beijing has unequivocally rejected such rhetoric and said that "de-risking" from China will mean nothing but abandoning opportunities, development and cooperation.

Li spoke highly of the development of Sino-French relations. Both countries stand for unity and cooperation, instead of division and confrontation, he said, underlining that both countries are committed to upholding multilateralism, promoting the improvement of global governance and working together to meet the common challenges facing humanity.

He urged strengthening Sino-French cooperation on innovation, saying that in recent years, China-France technological exchanges in medicine, new energy batteries, semiconductors and other fields have produced many innovative achievements.

Looking forward, the two sides boast great potential for cooperation in areas including high-end manufacturing, modern services, green transformation and digital economy, he added.

The premier reiterated China's commitment to deepening reform and expanding opening-up, saying that the nation will further ease market access in the modern services sector, among others.

China will steadily promote institutional opening-up that covers rules, regulations, management and standards; step up intellectual property rights protection; foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework; and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign companies in China in accordance with the law, he said.

Li urged France to keep its market open, and build a fair, equitable and nondiscriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

He encouraged entrepreneurs from both countries to strengthen their confidence, seize opportunities and make joint efforts to achieve greater development. He also encouraged them to jointly promote steady and long-term cooperation between China and France and between China and Europe.

Le Maire hailed the sound momentum and fruitful results of the development of bilateral ties and cooperation. He said that French companies remain attracted to the Chinese market, and stand ready to deepen cooperation with China in fields such as aviation, food and renewable energy, in order to build high-quality partnerships and achieve win-win results.

Li was invited by the French government to pay an official visit and attend the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, which was initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Chinese premier paid a visit to the innovation hub of Schneider Electric in Paris. He listened to the introduction by Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman and CEO of the company, about its cooperation with China.

Li said that China has a large market, a full range of supporting facilities and many talents, and investing in China will definitely bring rich returns.

Tricoire said that Schneider Electric has been a witness of, contributor to and beneficiary of China's reform and opening-up, and that it is optimistic about China's development. The company will continue to invest in China, and actively participate in China's green infrastructure and its Belt and Road development, he added.