On May 8, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi held talks with Diplomatic Adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing.

Wang Yi stated that during French President Emmanuel Macron’s successful visit to China in December last year, the two sides reached important common understandings on promoting the steady and sound growth of China-France relations. The strategic guidance provided by the two heads of state reflects the high standard and special nature of the bilateral relations. China is ready to work with France to continue implementing the outcomes of President Macron’s visit to China, so as to achieve greater progress in China-France cooperation and deliver more benefits to the two peoples. China values recent efforts by the French Parliament to pass a draft law simplifying procedures for the return of cultural relics illegally obtained from other countries, and is ready to strengthen cooperation with France in this regard to enhance people-to-people connectivity and mutual learning among civilizations. In today’s tumultuous world, China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major countries committed to independence, share important responsibilities for upholding international peace, stability and development. It is necessary for the two sides to strengthen strategic communication and coordination to jointly address global challenges and to ensure the sound and steady development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership by overcoming various disturbances.

Wang Yi noted that the China-France relationship is built on solid political mutual trust, and mutual respect for each other’s core interests is the key. It is hoped that the French side will earnestly abide by the one-China principle in concrete actions, refrain from any form of official interactions with the Taiwan authorities, and send no wrong signals to the separatist forces of “Taiwan independence.” China’s policy toward Europe has been consistent. China always sees Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports European integration and the development of a stronger European Union (EU). China and Europe have always been partners, not rivals. It is hoped that France, as an important country in the EU, will play a positive and constructive role in guiding the EU to adopt a correct and rational perception of China, pursue pragmatic and open economic and trade policies toward China, and remove obstacles to the long-term, sound and steady development of China-Europe relations.

Emmanuel Bonne stated that France highly cherishes the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two heads of state. During President Macron’s visit to China last year, the two sides issued an ambitious joint statement, demonstrating the high importance they attach to developing bilateral relations. France fully understands the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan question, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and there will be no change in its policy on this issue. France is ready to work with China to implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, and strengthen strategic communication and coordination on bilateral and multilateral platforms. France looks forward to working closely with China to find constructive solutions to global crises. Under the current international circumstances, it is vital for Europe and China to maintain dialogue and cooperation. The EU needs China and hopes to be a trustworthy partner with China. France is ready to play an active role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on global economic governance, the situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern.