The Chinese people are extraordinarily hardworking, intelligent and very committed to the country's development that all Europeans should respect, said former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province ahead of President Xi Jinping's scheduled state visit to France.
Raffarin, who served as Prime Minister of France from 2002 to 2005, has been a steadfast friend of China, bearing witness to its rise and development over the past decades.
"In more than 50 years, I have acquainted myself with China with more than a hundred visits and maintained continuous relations with the People's Republic of China. I cannot pretend to fully understand China, as I do not know its language. I know a bit about its civilization. But I have come to know the Chinese people quite deeply, and I believe that we, Europeans, must have great admiration for the Chinese people, who are extraordinarily hardworking, extraordinarily intelligent, and very committed to the country's development," said Raffarin.
Impressed by the rapid development of China he had observed during his over 100 visits to the country, Raffarin attributed the achievements to the Chinese people.
"Over the past 50 years, I have seen Shanghai's buildings rise. I have seen construction workers climb to the top of skyscrapers using bamboo scaffolding. I have seen how much effort it took to build this huge country in such a short time. You can feel what China has achieved today when you take the high-speed train in China, or when you experience the smart and eco-friendly new districts of its cities. Much progress has been made. Of course, like anywhere else, there are difficulties and problems that remain. But overall, in 50 years, I have seen China change, and that is why I have deep respect for the Chinese people," he said.
Chinese people extraordinarily hardworking, committed to country’s development: former French PM
Chinese people extraordinarily hardworking, committed to country’s development: former French PM
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
