China, France eye more direct flights, high-level exchanges

At the latest talk between high-level officials, Beijing and Paris have agreed to increase the frequency of direct flights between the two countries to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

The agreement was made as senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi co-chaired the 25th China-France Strategic Dialogue with French President's Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne in Paris on Tuesday local time.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in coping with climate change, protecting biodiversity, sustainable development, agricultural and food products, clean energy, nuclear energy research and development, artificial intelligence, and aerospace, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Both countries agreed to continue the positive momentum of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and organize hundreds of cultural exchange activities throughout this year.

The two countries also had in-depth communication on a wide range of issues related to peace and security.

They agreed that "multipolarity is indispensable to peace and stability" and that they will continue to strengthen strategic collaboration, the Foreign Ministry said.

During the talks, Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, noted that the two countries "share similar positions on major issues".

China is willing to strengthen strategic communication, solidarity and cooperation with the French side, and fulfill their role as major countries, he said.

He voiced hopes that the two countries will send strong signals and "respond more effectively to global challenges and more positively to the expectations of the international community".

Beijing sees Europe as an important pole in the world's multipolarization process, and it supports Europe in strengthening its strategic autonomy and taking its future and destiny into its own hands, he said.

On his part, Bonne said the French side attaches great importance to the France-China comprehensive strategic partnership and will continue to honor the one-China policy.

In the face of the current international chaos and geopolitical conflicts, Paris is willing to join hands with Beijing to tackle challenges, avoid confrontation between major countries, prevent bloc confrontation and improve global governance, he said.

France stands for Europe's strategic autonomy and for Europe fulfilling its conviction and purpose, and France supports the European Union and China to further honor the definition of their partnership and strengthen effective cooperation.

Also on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Wang in Paris.

Wang said the two heads of state have established strong mutual trust and sincere friendship, leading the development of bilateral strategic cooperation and having an important positive influence on the world.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.

Wang said that China adheres to high-quality development, promotes high-level opening up, and will continue to open its market to countries in the world including France.

He expressed his hope that the French side will also create a fair and just business environment for Chinese enterprises in France, and shore up expectations in a positive and stable future in a long run.

Macron expressed his wish for the Chinese people to have all the best in the Year of the Dragon, and he recalled with pleasure his successful visit to China last year.

He said he looks forward to working with China to prepare for high-level exchanges this year.

France has consistently pursued the one-China policy and this position is clear and unequivocal, he said.

In the face of global challenges, France adheres to strategic autonomy and is willing to strengthen strategic collaboration with China to jointly maintain peace and stability, he said.

France is the third and the last stop of Wang's Europe trip in the new year. He travelled to Germany to attend the 60th Munich Security Conference followed by visits to Spain.