On May 10, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna in Paris.

Noting that President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to China is a complete success, Qin Gang said China is ready to work with France to follow through on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, accelerate the advancement of exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and work for continuous development of the close and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France. The two sides should keep close high-level exchanges, expand exchanges at all levels and continuously explore new areas of cooperation. Both sides should open markets wider to each other and build a more resilient China-France supply chain. The two sides should strengthen cooperation in international affairs and join hands to meet global challenges. China’s resolve to promote high-quality development and high-standard opening up is unwavering, and China stands ready to work with France and other countries to make the pie of cooperation bigger and share development opportunities.

Qin Gang said that China has always regarded Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner, consistently and unequivocally supported Europe in strengthening its strategic autonomy and playing an active role in the international arena, and advocates that the China-Europe relationship is not targeted at any third party, nor is it subjugated to or controlled by any third party. China, France and the EU should pursue win-win cooperation by expanding two-way opening up and build a more stable China-EU supply chain partnership of mutual trust.

Noting that President Macron had an in-depth exchange of views with President Xi Jinping during his visit to China and deepened his understanding of China, Colonna said the visit was a great success. France-China relations are of vital importance. The two heads of state have made clear the direction, and the two sides should make joint efforts to work for greater development of bilateral relations. She suggested that the two sides fully restart cooperation mechanisms in various fields and strengthen cooperation in such areas as climate change, biodiversity and energy transition. France attaches importance to its economic relations with China, believing that such relations are interdependent, mutually beneficial as well as complementary, open and transparent. France does not engage in bloc confrontation and holds that all countries should live in harmony and achieve common development. Noting that China plays an important role in the world’s peace and stability, Colonna said France is willing to strengthen communication with China on Ukraine and other major international and regional issues to seek more common ground.

Qin Gang briefed on China’s position and work on the Ukraine issue, stressing that the “four points” about what must be done proposed by President Xi Jinping are the starting point for China to view and handle the Ukraine crisis. China is committed to the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, keeps communication with all parties, and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

The two sides also discussed other international and regional issues.

On the same day, Qin Gang also met with French President’s Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne, and the two sides exchanged views on China-France relations, the Ukraine crisis, and other issues.