Wang Yi Speaks with French Foreign Minister Barrot on the Phone

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot upon request on the 14th. Wang Yi said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-France relations have generally maintained a momentum of stable development. The current international situation is marked by change and instability. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France should strengthen strategic communication and jointly address risks and challenges. China actively supports France in performing its duties as the rotating president of the UN Security Council this month, and hopes that France will promote the Security Council in playing its due role. Wang Yi pointed out that the one-China principle is the political foundation of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. It is hoped that France will abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions, refrain from any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, and not send any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces. China and Europe should stay committed to the positioning of partners, adhere to mutual benefit and win-win results, uphold mutual openness, properly resolve current economic and trade frictions through constructive dialogue, and avoid escalation of confrontation. Protectionism cannot enhance Europe's competitiveness; instead, it will deprive consumers of high-quality and affordable goods, push up inflation, and drag down the green transition process. China is one of the largest markets in the world, and China's development is an opportunity for the EU, not a challenge. It is hoped that France, as a major country with strategic vision, will push the EU to move toward China with a pragmatic and rational attitude, view China's development more correctly, and play a positive role in stabilizing China-EU relations.