On March 27, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on the practical significance of the spirit that guided the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations when jointly meeting the press and answering questions with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot after their talks in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in 1964 was a milestone in the history of international relations. Against the backdrop of the Cold War, this decision by China and France fully reflected the strategic vision and historical initiative of major countries. President Xi Jinping encapsulated the spirit that guided the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations as "independence, mutual understanding, strategic vision, and win-win cooperation".

Wang Yi said that independence means rising above ideological differences and geopolitical barriers, withstanding pressure and resisting hegemony, and independently developing state-to-state relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect while keeping in mind the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.

Mutual understanding means respecting the diversity and differences of civilizations, respecting the political systems and development paths chosen by the people of different countries based on their national conditions, seeking common ground while shelving differences, engaging in exchanges and mutual learning, drawing wisdom and nourishment from each other, and striving for greater democracy in international relations.

Strategic vision means proceeding from the shared future of humanity, keeping abreast the trend of a multi-polar world and economic globalization, upholding true multilateralism, and unswervingly promoting international cooperation and global governance.

Win-win cooperation means casting aside "you-lose-I-win" mindset and the narrative of "systemic rivals". It calls for upholding open cooperation and free trade, opposing the moves of building fences and barriers as well as decoupling and severing supply chains, and promoting peace through development while ensuring development through peace.

Under the current circumstances, the spirit that guided the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations is highly relevant and important not only for the two countries but also for China-Europe relations and the world. As long as China and France uphold and promote the spirit that guided the establishment of diplomatic relations, their bilateral relationship will surely show vigorous vitality and make new contributions to world peace and development.