On July 4, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris and answered questions on the spot.

Wang Yi said that the two foreign ministers held talks and co-chaired the seventh meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges, during which they had in-depth, positive and candid exchanges on China-France relations and China-Europe relations, and reached a series of important common understandings. The two sides aligned their efforts in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mapped out new cooperation plans. Both sides agreed that amid the current volatile and turbulent international situation, major countries should take on greater responsibilities. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and France should abide by the founding principles of the United Nations, carry forward the spirit of independence and self-reliance that underpinned the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and make joint contributions to world peace, stability and development.

First, enhance strategic communication and act as forces for stability. China-France relations are highly strategic and forward-looking. No matter how the international situation may evolve, both China and France have the will and ability to build consensus, properly manage differences and deepen cooperation through communication and dialogue to ensure the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. Respecting each other's core interests is the cornerstone of strategic mutual trust between China and France. China appreciates France's reiterated commitment to the one-China policy. Peacefully resolving international disputes through dialogue and consultation is the right way forward. China is ready to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with France and play a constructive role in promoting political solutions to hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East issues.

Second, advance mutually beneficial cooperation and act as forces for openness. A certain major country is currently weaponizing tariffs, overstretching the concept of security in economic and trade cooperation, and putting its own interests above those of other countries. Such actions severely disrupt the stable operation of global industrial and supply chains and seriously harm the common interests of the international community. History and reality have both proven that competitiveness cannot be enhanced by building walls and barriers, and that decoupling and severing supply chains will ultimately only isolate oneself. China has entered a new stage of high-quality development and will continue to expand high-standard opening up. China and the European Union (EU) have properly resolved the brandy issue through friendly consultations. China is ready to import more high-quality French products, and supports capable Chinese enterprises in investing in France. Wang Yi hopes and believes that France will provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. The two sides should continue to deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace, and actively tap the potential for cooperation in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, green energy and biotechnology.

Third, foster closer bonds between the two peoples and act as forces for inclusiveness. People-to-people and cultural exchanges that foster heart-to-heart communication are the best way for countries to enhance understanding, bridge differences and promote harmonious coexistence. The two sides have just issued the Joint Statement of the Seventh Meeting of the China-France High-Level Dialogue Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges. Building on the success of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism last year, both sides will effectively implement the important initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, namely increasing the total number of French students in China to more than 10,000, and doubling the number of young Europeans on exchange programs to China in the next three years. The two countries should promote the China-France Young Leaders Exchange and Learning Program and the China-France Internship Program for 1,000 Participants, restart the high-level forum on sub-national government cooperation at an early date, continue to support the development of the China-France Carbon Neutrality Center, and successfully host the second China-France Educational Development Forum, jointly setting an example for cultural exchanges between China and Europe and the world.

Fourth, strengthen multilateral coordination and act as forces for solidarity. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. The United Nations is the foremost platform for safeguarding world peace and advancing global governance. The more complex and turbulent the situation becomes, the more imperative it is to uphold the central role of the United Nations and leverage its leading role. China and France will continue to work together to maintain the international system with the United Nations at its core and support each other's multilateral cooperation initiatives.

Wang Yi stated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China believes that it is the right time for China and the EU to enhance strategic cooperation under the current circumstances. The two sides should forge objective, rational and correct perceptions of each other, uphold mutual benefit, win-win results and open cooperation, and properly resolve specific economic and trade issues through consultation as soon as possible. China firmly supports the process of European integration and welcomes France's role in advancing the EU's strategic autonomy. China is ready to work with France to jointly promote the development of China-EU relations.