Xi Jinping proposes strengthening ties with France after Macron's India visit
PTC News Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended an offer to "break new ground" in strengthening China-France relations, following French President Emmanuel Macron's recent high-profile visit to India. Macron's visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
In his message, President Xi emphasised the critical juncture the world is facing and proposed that China and France jointly pave the way for peace, security, prosperity, and progress in human development. He underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship and expressed readiness to work with Macron to solidify and invigorate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France.
As a gesture to enhance ties, China has pledged to increase imports from France, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating the commitment to unleash consumer and investment market demand and expand the import of high-quality products and services. He also urged France to provide Chinese companies with a fair, just, and predictable business environment.
China places a priority on its relationship with France, especially as Macron advocates for Europe to become a third bloc, acting as a balancing force between the United States and China.
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Chinese media has emphasised the need to elevate cooperation in high-tech areas, citing significant strides in joint research and development, particularly in aerospace, the nuclear industry, and renewable energy.
Macron, the sixth leader from France, served as the chief guest at India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. Beijing closely monitored Macron's visit to India, as Paris strengthens its position as a key defence partner to New Delhi amid efforts by the US and the European Union to forge closer ties with India as a counterbalance to China.
Following Macron's talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries unveiled an ambitious defence industrial roadmap for co-developing critical military hardware. They also solidified cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region, areas of particular concern for China. The joint statement issued after the visit highlighted the Indo-Pacific defence and security partnership as a cornerstone of India-France relations, emphasising bilateral, regional, and institutional initiatives, especially in the Indian Ocean Region. China's increasing presence in India's backyard remains a significant consideration for global powers advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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