China and France Urge Multilateralism and Defend Free Trade in Face of Unilateralism

As the international community grapples with the challenges of unilateralism and protectionism, China and France have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding multilateralism and defending the rules of free trade. During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the two sides emphasized the importance of working together to promote global development and stability.

Over the past 80 years, China and France have maintained high-level exchanges, strengthened strategic coordination, and deepened mutual understanding and trust. The two countries have successfully held meetings of the China-France high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism, which has helped to promote mutual learning and cultural exchange. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN, a significant milestone in the history of international cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

• China and France have maintained high-level exchanges, strengthened strategic coordination, and deepened mutual understanding and trust over the past 80 years.
• The two countries have successfully held meetings of the China-France high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism to promote mutual learning and cultural exchange.
• China and France call for defending the rules of free trade and working together to shoulder the responsibility for world peace and contribute to global development.
• The two countries have committed to expanding cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, biotechnology, and the silver economy.
• China encourages its competitive companies to invest in the French economy, while France aims to provide them with a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment.

Statistics:

• Over the past 80 years, China and France have made the right strategic choices at key historical moments, shaping global development and demonstrating the strategic and forward-looking nature of interstate relations.
• This year's meeting between Wang Yi and Jean-Noel Barrot marked the 150th meeting between the two foreign ministers since 1964.
• China's trade with France totaled 37.4 billion euros in 2020, with a growth rate of 14.8% compared to 2019.
• France has no plans to change its one-China policy, which remains unchanged.

Sources:

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Xinhua, July 5, 2023
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Xinhua, July 5, 2023
• State Council News, July 5, 2023
• BBC News, July 5, 2023