Xi, Macron vow to deepen relations

Macron said that France attaches great importance to relations with China, remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and welcomes China's robust economic growth and its commitment to openness and cooperation.

He said his country hopes to enhance two-way investment, expand cooperation in trade and renewable energy, and promote friendly people-to-people exchanges with China.

"We are facing the risk of fragmentation of the international order that has brought peace to the world for decades. In this context, dialogue between China and France is more indispensable than ever," Macron said.

France stands ready to strengthen coordination with China, shoulder major-country responsibilities, uphold multilateralism, and enhance cooperation on climate change, biodiversity conservation and artificial intelligence governance to contribute to world peace and prosperity, he added.

Highlighting France's commitment to fostering the sound and stable development of Europe-China relations, Macron said France believes Europe and China should uphold dialogue and cooperation, while Europe should achieve strategic autonomy.

Macron's visit comes at a moment of profound changes in the international landscape. Observers said while the shifting policies of the United States create economic and policy uncertainty for Europe, global challenges — from the Ukraine crisis and tensions in the Middle East to a sluggish global economic recovery — continue to mount.

"The world today is far from tranquil, as complicated international political disputes and conflicts continue to erupt across multiple regions," Xi said when he and Macron jointly met the media after their bilateral talks.

On the Ukraine crisis, Xi said China supports all efforts conducive to peace and hopes that all parties will, through dialogue and negotiation, reach a fair and durable peace deal that is binding and accepted by all the parties concerned.

"China will continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis. At the same time, China firmly opposes any irresponsible attempt to shift blame or smear others," he added.

Regarding the Palestinian question, Xi said China and France will work together to promote its full, just and lasting settlement at an early date.

He announced that China will provide $100 million in assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support the region's recovery and reconstruction.

According to the two leaders, building on last year's successful China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, China and France agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, and at the local level.

The two sides will also launch a new round of giant panda conservation cooperation. Last month, a couple of giant pandas who lived in France for 13 years and gave birth to three cubs returned to China.

"Tomorrow in Sichuan we will have the opportunity to fully highlight this," Macron said, adding that giant panda cooperation is a point of pride in the bilateral partnership.

Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji also met separately with Macron on Thursday.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn