Chinese President Xi Jinping Strengthens China-France Strategic Partnership

China and France Deepen Strategic Partnership

In a speech at the sixth meeting of the Chinese-French Business Leaders Committee, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his desire to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and France. Over the past 60 years, the relationship has been built on mutual respect and shared benefits. President Xi emphasized the potential for further cooperation in various areas, including economics, culture, and global challenges. China plans to extend the visa-free policy for French citizens to 2025 and expand service sector openness to create more opportunities for French and European businesses. Additionally, President Xi invited French businesses to participate in China's modernization process.

Key Takeaways

• Xi Jinping emphasizes the absence of political or fundamental conflicts in the Sino-French relationship, highlighting the shared values of independence and mutual benefit.
• China plans to extend visa-free travel for French citizens and continue utilizing the "from French farm to Chinese table" mechanism, aiming to strengthen Sino-French trade relations.
• The collaboration between China and France in technology, industry, and supply chains will create new opportunities and support China's modernization process.

Analysis

The extended visa-free policy for French citizens and increased cooperation in various areas will likely boost bilateral trade and investment, offering enhanced market access and opportunities for French and European businesses. This development may lead to increased people-to-people exchanges, joint ventures, and technology transfers, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

Furthermore, the commitment to address global challenges in collaboration with France will solidify their partnership in global governance, positioning them as influential actors in shaping international norms and policies. This deeper partnership may indirectly impact the European Union, United Nations, and multinational corporations, influencing trade policies, global economic stability, and international cooperation.

Did You Know?

• "Sino-French relationship" and "mutual respect and shared benefits": This term refers to the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and France, built on the values of mutual respect and shared benefits over the past 60 years.
• "Service sector openness" and "visa-free policy": The extension of China's visa-free policy aims to deepen Sino-French trade relations, promoting increased collaboration through the "from French farm to Chinese table" mechanism.
• "Cooperation in technology, industry, and supply chains": This cooperation will support China's modernization process and enable both countries to address global challenges as permanent members of the UN Security Council.