Xi Jinping said that China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations (data map)
Beijing:
Just days after French President Macron’s high-profile visit to India, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed to “break new ground” to promote the development of Sino-French relations. During the visit, in addition to strengthening cooperation in the field of defense, the two countries also announced an ambitious defense roadmap. Strategic Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
Macron’s visit to India also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China and France.
Xi Jinping said in his speech that today’s world is once again at a critical crossroads, and China and France must jointly open up a path for human development, peace, security, prosperity and progress.
Xi Jinping said that China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and is willing to work with Macron to take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to adhere to basic principles, pioneer and innovate, build on the past and create a new situation. Facing the future, we will make the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership stronger and more dynamic. ” state media reported.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China has proposed increasing French imports to China.
We will continue to unleash consumer and investment market demand and continue to expand the import of high-quality French products and services. It is hoped that France will also provide a fair, just and predictable business environment for Chinese companies.
China prioritizes relations with France as Macron pushes for Europe to become a third bloc, a balancing force between the United States and China.
Chinese state media praised Sino-French relations and called for strengthening cooperation in high-tech fields.
The state-run China Daily said in an editorial that “Sino-French scientific and technological cooperation has always been the cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries. From aerospace and nuclear industry to renewable energy, the two countries have made significant progress in joint research and development.”
President Macron is the sixth French leader to attend India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26 as the chief guest.
Beijing remains vigilant Macron visits India Paris is emerging as an important defense partner for New Delhi amid efforts by the United States and the European Union to woo India to counterbalance China.
Following Macron’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries unveiled an ambitious defense industry roadmap that will jointly develop key military hardware in addition to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, key areas of concern to China. .
A joint statement issued after Macron’s speech said: “The defense and security partnership has always been the cornerstone of the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes a comprehensive range of bilateral, multinational, regional and institutional initiatives, especially in the Indian Ocean region .” said when visiting India.
“The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the southwest Indian Ocean based on joint surveillance missions on the French island of Reunion in 2020 and 2022,” the statement said.
The increased cooperation between India and France in the Indian Ocean worries China, which is trying to set foot in India’s backyard.
The United States, India and several other world powers have been discussing the need to ensure a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region amid China’s intensifying military exercises in the resource-rich region.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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