China-France relations strong anchor for stability

[Photo/VCG]

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France. France was the first major Western country to establish formal diplomatic relations with China. The two countries forming diplomatic relations in 1964 opened the door for cooperation between China and the West during the Cold War.

In the past 60 years, despite the changes in the international situation, China-France relations have always been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. The two sides highlighted the "China-France spirit" of independence and self-reliance, mutual understanding, foresight and mutual benefit.

Analysts say that spirit is a "golden key" to understanding China-France relations. It is their common upholding of independence and autonomy that has enabled them to overcome the impact of changes in the international situation, focus on cooperation, and properly manage their differences.

Although some countries are trying to start a new Cold War today, there are no geopolitical conflicts or fundamental conflicts of interest between China and France. Through regular dialogue and communication, political mutual trust is continuously consolidated, practical cooperation is expanded, and cultural exchanges are promoted.

Currently, France is China's third-largest trading partner in the European Union and the third-largest source of actual investment, while China is France's largest trading partner in Asia. During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China in April 2023, the two sides reached a series of important cooperation agreements, agreeing to cultivate new growth points for cooperation in the services trade, green development and technological innovation.

The more unstable the world becomes, the more important Sino-French cooperation becomes.

-China Media Group

The views don't necessarily reflect those of Qiushi Journal.