China urges Europe to continue supporting free trade as French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné visits Beijing
- Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells his French counterpart that Beijing is concerned about European efforts to ‘de-risk’ its relations with China
- Meanwhile, Séjourné says Paris wants China to send Russia a ‘clear message’ about the war in Ukraine and help uphold international law
Europe should “support free trade” with China and follow the “policies of openness”, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his visiting French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné on Monday.
Séjourné, who was appointed to the post in January, told a joint press conference in Beijing: “We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace if it is not negotiated with the Ukrainians.
“There will be no security for Europeans if there is no peace in accordance with international law.
“It is an essential issue for us, which is why France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China.”
He also raised concerns about North Korean and Iranian support for Russia, saying that would be a major escalation of the war.
France’s Macron wants to run EU’s foreign policy but not everyone is convinced
Séjourné’s visit is the second time a French foreign minister has gone to China in less than six months, following the trip by his predecessor Catherine Colonna in November.
“We hope that together with Europe, we will adhere to the policies of openness, support free trade and maintain the stability of the global industrial supply chain,” Wang said.
02:27
China expands visa-free travel to 6 new countries
He also said China would like to buy more French products and services and provide a better operating environment for French companies in China. In return, Wang said, he hoped France would provide a “fair, just and predictable” business environment for Chinese firms.
Wang was also asked about a European Union probe into subsidies for Chinese electric vehicle makers that might result in new import duties. He responded by saying: “Only openness leads to progress, isolation only leads to backwardness.”
Séjourné said he had told Wang “that it is not desirable to decouple from China”. He said the European Union was still open to Chinese investment but wanted to “de-risk” the relationship after the Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine war had highlighted the dangers of being over reliant on one market.
‘Something must change’: EU chamber warns of unfolding ‘train accident’ with China
Wang said the two countries will continue cooperation in areas such as aerospace, nuclear energy, agriculture, finance, green energy, as well as science, education, sports, cultural heritage, as “our common interests far outweigh our differences”.
“I believe that it has been proved, and will continue to prove, that China is an opportunity and not a risk for Europe. Both sides are partners and not rivals,” Wang said.
