On 26 May, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with French President’s Foreign Policy Advisor Emmanuel Bonne on the phone.

Wang noted that China and France have maintained close communication as the world is combating COVID-19. This attests to the strength of the strategic coordination between the two countries. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible major countries, China and France need to play an even more proactive role in a world fraught with uncertainties.

Wang pointed out that last week, President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron both attended the Opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, and made Chinese-French contributions to its success. Going forward, China will strengthen coordination with France, step up political and financial support for WHO, and jointly mobilize resources worldwide to defeat the virus. China is ready to work with all parties to implement the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the poorest countries and calls for the participation of multilateral and private creditors. China will partner with France to actively engage in third-party cooperation in Africa to help the continent combat the disease.

Wang said that China supports France’s initiative to hold a P5 virtual summit, as the five countries are duty-bound to send out a positive message of enhanced international cooperation against COVID-19. He expressed the hope that France will continue to leverage its role to build consensus among the five countries.

Wang underscored that for the sake of Hong Kong’s long-term stability, it is necessary for the National People’s Congress of China to establish and improve at the State level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong. This is reasonable, law-based and legitimate.

No country or region will ever leave itself unprotected when it comes to security. This decision aims at plugging the loophole in legislation for upholding national security in Hong Kong. It will not affect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. On the contrary, it will ensure sound long-term implementation of “one country, two systems”, further improve Hong Kong’s rule of law, and better protect the interests of investors from across the world. Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs. China appreciates France’s prudent approach to Hong Kong-related issues, and hopes that France will continue to take an objective and fair position.

Bonne congratulated China on holding the two sessions after securing significant progress in COVID-19 response. Noting the tensions and misunderstandings in the international community caused by COVID-19, he expressed France’s readiness to step up strategic communication with China, strengthen mutual trust and maintain coordination in the multilateral arena.

Bonne pointed out that President Xi and President Macron shared similar views when addressing the WHA. France will coordinate closely with China to act on the two presidents calls and jointly advance international cooperation against the disease. France will also work with China to implement the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the poorest countries and help Africa tackle COVID-19.

Bonne thanked China for supporting the proposed P5 virtual summit, as P5 solidarity is of vital importance amid the complex international dynamics. France will keep up communication with relevant parties.

Bonne reaffirmed that France respects China’s sovereignty, appreciates the sensitivity of Hong Kong-related issues, and has no intention of interfering in Hong Kong affairs. France hopes that relevant issues will be properly resolved under the “one country, two systems” framework.