Beijing, May 26th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Edouard Philippe, former Prime Minister of France and leader of the Horizons Party.  

Liu noted that both China and France are major countries that shoulder global responsibilities, and China-France relations have important global significance. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-France relations have maintained positive and steady development momentum, with close high-level exchanges, fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation and efficient multilateral coordination. China is willing to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron and promote greater development of bilateral relations. There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Europe, therefore both sides should be partners helping each other succeed. The two sides should strengthen unity and coordination to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. It is expected that France will play the role of a core major country in the European Union (EU) and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.  

Liu said that at present, the world is faced with accelerating changes unseen in a century and increasing risks and challenges. Unilateralism and protectionism are severely impacting global economic stability and undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries. China adheres to multilateralism, and opposes "decoupling and severing chains" and "small yard, high fences". It is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation with France to jointly maintain world peace and stability and promote development and prosperity. The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with all French political parties, including the Horizons Party, to enhance mutual understanding and trust. 

Philippe expressed that I have visited China many times in the past 20 years and witnessed the great changes that have taken place in China. France-China relations were jointly created by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, both sides have continuously deepened mutual understanding and developed bilateral relations. In the past 100 years, mankind has experienced two world wars, which have caused great harm to all countries. The current international situation is full of turbulence and increasing uncertainties. Both France and China support multilateralism and free trade, and should work together to jointly maintain world peace and stability and promote common development. 

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues. 

Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to China, was present.