French President Emmanuel Macron's just-concluded state visit to China and the joint statements issued by the two sides sends out positive signals to the world in finding solutions to key issues such as global governance, sustainable development and other pressing challenges, according to an international relations expert.
During Macron's visit, China and France issued joint statements on strengthening global governance, forming a joint response to global climate and environmental challenges, continuous promotion of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, exchanges and cooperation in agriculture and food, and the situations in Ukraine and Palestine.
The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening global governance and multilateral cooperation, with France showing support to the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative which supports the central role of the United Nations in international affairs.
Cui Hongjian, director of Center for European Union and Regional Development Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, believes the two countries' cooperation is crucial at a time when international order is being increasingly challenged.
"As we know, in recent years, there has been some bad situations for these relations between major [global] players, and it gives a worse situation for a lack of effective global governance. So I think now it's time for both China and France, as two major players, to find more common grounds and to issue a stronger voice to support a stable and sustainable global governance structure," Cui told the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in an interview on Saturday.
Regarding other pressing global concerns as such climate change and environmental challenges, Cui said that strengthened China-Europe cooperation will be a major push for finding solutions, highlighting the outcomes of the recent COP30 climate conference in Brazil, as well as the vast potential of China's electric vehicle sector amid the ongoing green transition.
"This year there are some progress pushed together by both China and Europe, and France, including at the COP30, I think it gives a very big dynamic for this issue on the global level. But of course now, we need to find out some more pragmatic cooperation to deal with I think some unnecessary competition, especially in industry. For example, once there are some more cooperation in China and Europe and France on electric vehicles or green industry, certainly I think it will give some more substantial support for both China and France to give some more dynamic [approaches] or direction for [finding] these common solutions for the international community," he said.
Macron wrapped up his three-day state visit in southwest China's Chengdu on Friday after having earlier held talks in Beijing with senior Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping.
The visit was Macron's fourth state visit to China and was a reciprocal visit following President Xi's historic trip to France last year that marked the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.
China-France joint statement gives new impetus to addressing global challenges: expert
Palestine appreciates China's constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Palestinian issue, Ambassador of Palestine to China Jawad Mohammed Qutish Awad said in Beijing on Friday.
When jointly meeting the press with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday, President Xi Jinping announced China will provide 100 million U.S. dollars of assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support its recovery and reconstruction.
"Following two years of devastating war, over 90 percent of Gaza Strip's housing, infrastructure, hospitals, roads, and universities have been destroyed. China has consistently supported Palestine in various fields such as politics, economy, and development. This generous donation comes as timely aid for the Palestinian government and people," said the ambassador in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV).
More than 70,000 Palestinian people have been killed since the conflict in Gaza erupted on Oct 7, 2023, with millions suffering from extreme poverty and catastrophic hunger.
China has reiterated its support for the Palestinian liberation cause on multiple international occasions, firmly believing that the two-state solution remains the only realistic path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli issue.
Through channels including the United Nations, Egypt, and Jordan, China has provided multiple batches of emergency humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip and extended material and financial support to the Palestinian Authority and other relevant parties. China has also emphasized that it is important to uphold the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine" in the post-conflict governance of Gaza.
"We attach great importance to China's support for the two-state solution. Without the establishment of the State of Palestine, regional stability cannot be achieved. Gaza must be an inalienable part of the future Palestinian state. I would also like to reiterate here that the State of Palestine firmly supports the one-China principle," Jawad said.
China, one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine, established the strategic partnership with Palestine in 2023.
After countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada recognized the State of Palestine in September this year, the number of countries in the international community recognizing the State of Palestine has reached nearly 160, accounting for over 81 percent of the United Nations member states.
An increasing number of countries are looking to advance a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza through cooperation.
Jawad said that the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative offers the international community a more effective path to resolving the Palestinian issue.
"This initiative aligns with the strategic agreements between Palestine and China, contributing to ending Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory and establishing the State of Palestine across all Palestinian territory. Without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue, neither the world nor the Middle East can achieve stability. The key to a just resolution lies in the implementation of international law," he said.
Palestine appreciates China's role in promoting Israeli-Palestinian peace process: ambassador
