Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Séjournet met in Beijing. It has been announced that President Xi Jinping will visit France this spring, and it appears that China is aiming to use this as an opportunity to strengthen relations with European countries, as well as to keep the United States in check.
On the 1st, French Foreign Minister Séjournet met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, China.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides celebrated this year's 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the economy and artificial intelligence.
Prior to the meeting, Foreign Minister Séjournet announced that President Xi Jinping would visit France this spring.
At a press conference after the meeting, Foreign Minister Séjournet stated that ``separation from the Chinese economy is not desirable,'' but also acknowledged that the trade deficit with France and Europe is an issue.
In response, Foreign Minister Wang said, ``China's opening up will not stop, and we hope to import more high-quality French products and services,'' emphasizing the country's intention to welcome investment by French companies.
Last April, President Xi invited French President Emmanuel Macron to China and took the unprecedented step of accompanying him to the countryside, giving an impression of the importance he places on relations with France.
China appears to be using President Xi's visit to France as an opportunity to strengthen relations with European countries, and to keep the United States in check.