Xi Jinping: “Welcome Chinese Investments, New Horizons for Relations with France”

[Provided by Yonhap News Agency]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited Europe, expressed his stance in the leading French daily newspaper Le Figaro, welcoming the investment of Chinese companies and others in France.

According to Xinhua News Agency on the 6th local time, the President mentioned, “China will further open up to the world and deepen collaboration with France and other countries.” He emphasized, “To achieve this, we have fully opened up China’s manufacturing sector and will move faster to expand market access for telecommunications, medical services, and other services.”

He also added, “France is advancing industrialization based on green innovation, and China is vigorously promoting technological innovation and productivity development,” stating, “The two countries can deepen cooperation on innovation and jointly promote green development.”

Regarding the relationship between China and France, he explained, “The establishment of relations between the two countries has built a bridge for communication between the East and the West, allowing international relations to advance in the direction of dialogue and cooperation.” He stated, “China will succeed in fostering a new horizon in bilateral relations, following the spirit of cooperation and the establishment of diplomatic relations with France.”

President Xi Jinping expressed readiness to find reasonable ways to cooperate with France and the international community in relation to the Ukraine conflict.

Regarding the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, he said, “China and France share many commonalities on this issue,” emphasizing, “Therefore, it is important for us to enhance cooperation and contribute to restoring peace in the Middle East.”

President Xi Jinping arrived in France the previous afternoon to begin his six-day tour to three European countries (France, Serbia, and Hungary). They are countries that have maintained good relations with China.

President Xi’s visit to Europe is his first in five years since his visit to Italy, Monaco, and France in March 2019. As the U.S.’s diplomatic and economic isolation operation against China continues, there is an interpretation that the purpose is to embrace allies within European countries.