Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that he came to France with three messages. Firstly, he promised to open Chinese markets to Western companies. Secondly, he acknowledged the risks posed by the Ukrainian crisis to Europeans. In his third message, he reaffirmed his country's commitment to mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among nations.
In an article for Le Figaro, Xi emphasized the strength of the relationship between China and France, highlighting that this is his third visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, and recalling that France was the first European country to recognize new China. He praised France's contribution to the development of his country.
On the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, Xi reflected on the bridges built for exchange between East and West and the evolution of international relations towards dialogue and cooperation. He recalled cooperation between the two countries in aviation, civil nuclear energy, trade, and culture.
The president presented his country’s accomplishments on the 75th anniversary of the founding of new China, noting that it transformed itself from a poor and underdeveloped nation into the world’s second-largest economy, achieving what he considered a miracle in the records of human development. He affirmed that China will remain a driver of global growth and continue to provide opportunities for all countries.
Regarding his economic message to France, Xi stated that China would be pleased to introduce more high-quality French agricultural products and cosmetics into the Chinese market to meet the growing aspirations for a better life. He emphasized the desire to maintain the spirit governing their diplomatic relations to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership and make a new contribution to enhance cooperation globally, particularly regarding the climate agenda.
China aims to expand its openness to deepen cooperation with France and other countries worldwide, as stated by the Chinese president, by facilitating tourism visits and accelerating the development of new high-quality productive forces. This would enable deeper cooperation with France in innovation to foster green development.
Xi highlighted that in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China will adhere to mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
He referred to the principles proposed by China, Myanmar, and India in 1954, which are summarized as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Xi added that China would work with France to enhance communication and coordination to maintain global peace and stability, reminding that China has proposed the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, which offers China's proposals for improving global governance and addressing the challenges of human development.
He explained that China understands the disruptions caused by the Ukrainian crisis for Europeans, reiterating that Beijing is neither the cause nor a party to this crisis but plays a constructive role in promoting peaceful resolution.
Before concluding his article, the Chinese president addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that it is a matter of concern to him, and he believes that establishing an independent Palestinian state is the fundamental solution, urging France to cooperate with China to contribute to restoring peace in the Middle East.
Xi Jinping concluded by saying, "We are two great nations committed to the spirit of independence, and we have always been able to unleash enormous energy to influence the course of the world whenever we come together. Today, at a new historical crossroads, we are at a new starting point."
