中文
Lead: President Macron's fourth state visit has strengthened the Sino-French strategic partnership, positioning France as a crucial conduit for stable and cooperative relations between China and Europe amid the risk of global fragmentation.
By Fabien Pacory
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing on Dec. 3 for his fourth state visit to China since taking office in 2017, accompanied by a delegation of more than 80 members, including several ministers and more than 30 CEOs from major French companies. His three-day visit included a stop in Sichuan Province in southwest China.
Following Macron's previous meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Guangzhou, the time the two leaders have spent together is viewed as indicative of their strong relationship.
Their meeting on Dec. 4 reinforced the strategic vision, global responsibilities and enduring strength of China-France relations. The frank and productive discussions underscored the profound and well-established friendship between the two countries.
Xi emphasized that the recommendations for formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) present a "list of opportunities" for the world, urging both countries to capitalize on these prospects and broaden their cooperation. He suggested strengthening collaboration in traditional sectors, such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy, while exploring potential opportunities in the green economy, digital economy, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and new energy. The leaders witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation agreements across various sectors, including nuclear energy, agri-food, education and environmental protection.
China is willing to import more high-quality products from France and welcomes more French businesses to its market. In return, it hopes France will provide a fair environment and stable conditions for Chinese enterprises.
As founding members of the United Nations and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, both China and France have a duty to uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order based on international law. They should advocate for genuine multilateralism while enhancing communication and coordination on political dispute resolutions and promoting peace and stability.
In light of current global imbalances, such as uneven development between the North and the South and inadequate representation of developing nations in international financial institutions, Xi urged countries to collectively assume responsibilities, coordinate their efforts, and strive for fairer global economic governance.
"We face the risk of fragmentation within the international order that has maintained peace for decades. In this context, dialogue between China and France is more essential than ever," Macron said.
France is eager to strengthen coordination with China, embrace its responsibilities as a major power, uphold multilateralism and enhance collaboration on climate change, biodiversity conservation and AI governance to contribute to global peace and prosperity, he added.
Building on last year's successful China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, both nations agreed to deepen cultural, educational, scientific and technological exchanges, as well as at the local level.
As a prominent EU member advocating for multilateralism and economic globalization, France recognizes that openness fosters development opportunities while decoupling leads to isolation. France can play a significant role in fostering progress in China-EU relations.
Xi noted that countries' industrial and supply chains are deeply interconnected. He emphasized that China and Europe should stay committed to partnership, pursue cooperation with an open mind and ensure that China-Europe relations develop along the right track of independence and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Macron acknowledged that China and France have sustained close high-level exchanges built on mutual trust and respect.
The French president's visit transcends mere diplomatic engagement; it represents a pivotal moment for Europe to decide whether it wants to shape its future or merely adapt to external decisions.
France and China have an opportunity to establish a new cooperative framework that connects technological co-creation with the reform of global governance amid rapid changes.
Given current geopolitical instability and challenges facing the multilateral order, cooperation between France and China is increasingly vital.
France fully aligns with Xi's perspectives on reforming global governance for a more balanced economy. It stands ready to collaborate with China on major responsibilities as a leading nation.
Xi and Macron participated in the closing ceremony of the seventh meeting of the China-France Business Council on Dec. 4 in Beijing. During the gathering, Xi expressed hopes for a brighter future for China-EU relations over the next 50 years.
"Our two nations play a crucial role in establishing equitable economic governance alongside other partners," Macron said. He expressed the hope that China and G7 countries will join hands to develop fairer rules that transcend a "survival of the fittest" approach.
Macron expressed intentions to boost cross-investment and further increase Chinese investment in France. "It's time to embark on a new chapter in this historic partnership," he said.
Highlighting France as Europe's most appealing destination for foreign investment, he welcomed projects that align with the country's reindustrialization strategy. The Sino-French relationship, he added, is central to developing wider China-Europe ties during this critical time.
At the China-France Business Council meeting, Xi expressed support for Chinese investment in France, describing the nation as an "indispensable" trade partner. "Interdependency is not a risk, and convergent interests are not a threat," Xi said.
China views its relationship with France as essential for shaping broader China-Europe relations, recognizing that a strong partnership with France can significantly influence the dynamics of the entire region. China supports European integration as it seeks to foster stability and cooperation on the continent while acknowledging France's prominent and strategic position.
As the leader of a key European power, President Macron, through the visit, not only contributed to the bilateral relations but also made an impact within the broader EU framework. This recent engagement has the potential to pave the way for enhanced diplomatic interactions between China and other European nations, nurturing a collaborative atmosphere that could lead to mutually beneficial initiatives.
France plays a vital role in steering China-Europe relations, upholding its longstanding diplomatic tradition of independence from external influence. In this capacity, it serves as both a coordinator and facilitator on critical strategic matters, bridging gaps and promoting dialogue to address shared challenges. This collaborative approach highlights the significance of France in navigating the complexities of international relations and promoting shared objectives between China and Europe.
The French president's visit may have added significance now that it happened around the time the U.S. released its new National Security Strategy, in which it stated that its relationship with China "has transformed into one between near-peers" and that it "will need a strong Europe to help us successfully compete." It is also meaningful that China and France will, respectively, assume APEC and G7 presidency next year. In these dynamics, there will surely be more collaboration between the two nations on all matters of shared interest.
Fabien Pacory is executive vice president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China.
