The future of China-France ties

By Hannan Hussain

On August 19, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Wang's emphasis on steadily progressing bilateral relations creates an opportunity to "promote the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership" in the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of Sino-France relations. "France always attaches great importance to developing the France-China comprehensive strategic partnership and is ready to work with China to build a dynamic, constructive and strong bilateral relationship," said Bonne.

The China-France experience of expanding their strategic partnership has proven rewarding on several fronts. From the billions of euros in joint business contracts to upward momentum in bilateral trade, there have been constant efforts to expand investment opportunities and market access.

In fact, at a time of relative global turbulence on the economic and security front worldwide, it stands in the interests of China and France to "deepen practical cooperation" from economy and trade to science and technology, as affirmed by Paris.

France has played a commendable role over the years in consolidating strong multilateralism, led by its vocal advocacy for a robust and enduring "Europe-China partnership." Moreover, both partners remain steadfast on opening up and expanding market access, making it an ideal time to consolidate relations for the benefit of true multilateralism. In the words of foreign minister Wang, both sides should act in the spirit of mutual respect to take good care of each other's core interests.

As the global security landscape faces multiple conflicts, and cold-war mentalities emerge from stealth, it is imperative for Beijing and Paris to play to their historic strengths and ensure cooperation remains unabated. Wide-ranging economic engagement has been a mainstay in relations, with France serving as the third largest importer of Chinese goods within the European Union last year.

Similarly, positive foreign direct investment measures have also benefited on the back of sustained diplomatic support. The time is right to send a "positive message of solidarity to the world" that the China-France bilateral experience holds ample promise to address "international and regional crises."

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with the French president's diplomatic counselor Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing, July 19, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

It is here that a stated intent to promote cooperation in aerospace, civil nuclear energy and agriculture is a high-value proposition. After all, smart and scalable interventions in agricultural growth enable both countries to redirect energies towards regional hotspots at the center of food insecurity. Similarly, civil nuclear energy is a well-acknowledged driver of clean energy and carbon-free economy support. And so, the margin for elevating China-France cooperation in key sectors is substantial.

Interestingly, the senior Chinese diplomat is correct to point to deeper cultural interplay between both countries, given the prior success of people-to-people and cultural exchange mechanisms. Look to 2019, when China's envoy in France underlined the merits of mutual learning between both sides, suggesting its potential to lead "the cultural dialogue and exchange of the world."

Bonne's agreement to uphold the basic norms concerning international relations, including regional peace, deserves to be seen in that light. Particularly when close cultural exchanges serve as a valuable tool to foster future expectations in the relationship, and bridge communication between masses.

The future of the China-France strategic partnership remains bright, and the Wang-Bonne exchange comes at an opportune time. For Paris, it was only recently that President Emmanuel Macron gave priority on multi-sector priorities in the next five years with China, striking parallels with Beijing's readiness to accelerate future imports, and extend new business opportunities to French financial and hi-tech companies. The fact that some of those openings were key reference points in Friday's exchange sends an assuring message on sustained engagement.

In sum, Wang's talk with the French president's diplomatic counselor confirms Paris and Beijing have intersecting views on several global challenges. That, coupled with their potential to further exercise strategic autonomy, makes this relationship an important one to overcome anti-globalist pressures.

The author is a foreign affairs commentator.