France Seeks Access to Chinese Markets

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire stated in remarks made in Beijing today, Sunday, that "his country wants a better mechanism to access Chinese markets and a more balanced trade relationship, rather than decoupling from the world's second-largest economy." He mentioned in a press conference following his meeting with Chinese officials that "France needs to export more goods to China in order to establish a balanced trade relationship with Beijing," and noted that "we do not want to face certain legislative obstacles or other barriers to accessing Chinese markets." Le Maire considered that "France is on the right track, paving the way for easier access of French cosmetics to Chinese markets," adding that he "opposes the misconception held by some countries that wish to decouple from China," emphasizing that "there is no room for decoupling between China, the United States, and Europe." He also pointed out that "it would be beneficial for Chinese companies to invest in Europe and develop their activities there."