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Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjournet on Monday that Europe should “support free trade” and follow an “open-door policy” with China.
Sejournet, who was appointed to the post in January, said at a joint press conference in Beijing:
“Without peace based on international law, there is no security for Europeans.
“This is an essential issue for us, which is why France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China.”
He also expressed concern about Russian support for North Korea and Iran, saying it would be a significant escalation of the war.
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Séjournet’s visit will be the second time a French foreign minister has visited China in less than six months, following his predecessor Catherine Colonna in November.
“We look forward to working with Europe to uphold the open-door policy, support free trade, and maintain the stability of global industrial supply chains,” Wang said.
02:27
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He also said China wants to buy more French products and services and provide a better operating environment for French companies in China. In return, Wang said he hoped France would provide Chinese companies with a “fair, just and predictable” business environment.
Wang was also asked about the European Union’s investigation into subsidies for Chinese electric car makers, which could result in new import duties. To this he replied, “Only openness leads to progress; isolation only leads to backwardness.”
Sejournet said he told Wang that “separation with China is not desirable.” He said the European Union remained open to Chinese investment but would “de-risk” the relationship after the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on one market. He said he wanted to “reduce this.”
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Wang said that “the common interests of the two countries far outweigh their differences,” and that the two countries have strong ties not only in science, education, sports, and cultural heritage, but also in fields such as aerospace, nuclear power, agriculture, finance, and green energy. He said he would continue to cooperate.
“China has proven, and I believe it will continue to prove, to be an opportunity rather than a risk for Europe. The two sides are partners, not rivals,” Wang said.
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