China to deepen cooperation with France in various fields: FM

China is ready to work with France, guided by the important consensus reached by their heads of state, to continuously advance cooperation in diverse fields, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the statement during a meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot after attending the Munich Security Conference.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's milestone visit to France last year, marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, has opened a new chapter in China-France relations, Wang said.

China and France are both permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and major countries of global influence, Wang said, adding that their relationship has strategic value and exemplary significance beyond the bilateral level. He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN.

Wang said that the two sides should uphold their tradition of independence and self-reliance, adhere to openness and win-win cooperation and act as stabilizing forces in maintaining international order and promoting global growth.

Noting that trade frictions are issues in the process of cooperation between China and the European Union (EU), Wang expressed confidence that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and France -- as well as China and the EU -- have the wisdom and capability to properly resolve these issues.

The top Chinese diplomat said he hopes the EU will uphold open cooperation, support free trade, and work with China in the same direction while accommodating each other's legitimate concerns. China, he added, stands ready to continue constructive dialogue with the EU on this matter.

Barrot said France appreciates China's firm and clear voice in support of multilateralism at the Munich Security Conference and values China's role as a stabilizing force in global governance. He added that France and China should work together to play a leadership role in upholding multilateralism and improving international governance.

France will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, making full use of the high-level dialogue mechanism, Barrot said. He added that France supports deepening strong economic and trade relations between France and China, as well as between the EU and China, properly handling trade differences, and jointly resisting protectionism.

The two officials exchanged views on artificial intelligence, climate change, and maritime cooperation, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in global governance and promote international solidarity in addressing global challenges.

They also discussed the Ukraine issue, with Wang reiterating China's position and principles. Wang expressed hope for steady progress in peace talks based on consensus among all parties and the establishment of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework to ultimately achieve long-term peace and stability on the continent.

The two sides agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on the Gaza conflict, promote de-escalation, and return to the "two-state solution."

They also exchanged views on the Iran nuclear issue and other matters.

China to deepen cooperation with France in various fields: FM

China to deepen cooperation with France in various fields: FM

China to deepen cooperation with France in various fields: FM

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the China-Spain Business Innovation Meeting along with Chinese Commerce Minster Wang Wentao in Beijing on Wednesday, the last day of his five-day visit to China.

The conference brought together over 100 representatives from Chinese and Spanish businesses. Participants shared cooperation experience and held discussions on technology research and development as well as investment cooperation.

"It's a very good opportunity for us to cooperate and to strengthen our cooperation with Chinese companies. I'm from Gestamp, an automotive supply company from Spain, based in China for the past 17 years. So, we have a long story doing business in China. We have a very good relationship with China," said Antonio Lopez Arce, CEO of the Asian division of Gestamp, a Spanish multinational specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of highly engineered metal components.

"I feel very well, very excited about the outcome of this meeting. This helps a lot, a lot to Spanish companies that we are doing business here in China," said Tomas Daga, a director at Grifols, a global healthcare company headquartered in Spain.

"I think this event can greatly promote the cooperation between Chinese and Spanish enterprises, and is also a very good experience. I hope that through this event, greater contribution can be made from the perspective of enterprises in China-Spain relations," said Simon Du, director of International Government Affairs at Xiaomi Corporation.

At the meeting, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the cooperation between China and Spain has expanded to high value-added fields such as mechanical equipment and electric vehicles, adding that the two-way investment also remained at a stable level. Sanchez encouraged companies from both sides to enhance communication, while exploring potential for future development.

"Well, I think that it's a very good that the prime minister of our country is visiting China. I think Spain is taking the relationship with China very seriously, promoting the bi-directional business relationships," said Alexandre Catala Garcia, senior director of Global Affairs at China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC).

The Spanish prime minister's official visit came at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This was Sanchez's fourth trip to China in four years, and also the latest in a series of visits to China by European leaders since the beginning of this year.

A day earlier, Sanchez spoke highly of the outcomes of his visit to China, adding that a broad set of cooperation agreements have been signed in Beijing across key areas, including the economy, education and culture.

Spanish PM attends China-Spain Business Innovation Meeting