Focus on Arts and Ecology

April 7, 2023 

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday, calling on both sides to enhance cooperation between China and the EU.

Macron's visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of sister city ties between Guangzhou and Lyon. The two cities are known for their academic prowess, culinary history and cultures.

China and France also issued a joint statement on Friday, agreeing to strengthen political dialogue, promote mutual political trust, jointly promote world security and stability, and respond to global challenges together. It also said the two countries would boost economic exchanges and restart people and cultural exchanges.

France is China's third largest trading partner and third largest source of actual investment in the European Union (EU) while China is the largest trading partner of France in Asia and the seventh largest in the world. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

China and the European Union (EU) need to stay committed to dialogue and cooperation and address global challenges together in a volatile world, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday.

More headlines: 

· On the Ukraine issue, China will never deal with it from personal interests, but always stand for fairness and impartiality, the Chinese president noted. Xi called on all parties concerned to assume their responsibilities, meet each other halfway and create conditions for a political solution

· France attaches great importance to China's international influence and is willing to communicate and cooperate closely with China to make joint efforts to promote a political solution to the crisis as soon as possible, Macron added

· Why are European leaders visiting China?

· China stands ready to restart exchanges at all levels with the European Union (EU), Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday. Premier Li made the remarks when he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing

· Thirty-six companies from China and France signed 18 cooperation agreements on Thursday spanning areas including green development, innovation, aviation and new energy

· French cosmetics giants to increase investments in China

· "There are no winners in zero-sum games," Xi said. "Decoupling cannot impede China's development"

· See how French President Emmanuel Macron helped a Chinese actor correct his pronunciation during the Croisements Festival in Beijing on April 5, celebrating China-France cultural ties

(Sources: China Report)