Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, wants to see more French products enter the Chinese market. “ China ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the French side “, declared the Chinese president on Monday during a telephone call with Emmanuel Macron.
France calls for fair competition rules
However, many obstacles remain before the world’s second largest economy and France can maintain peaceful trade relations. The French presidency thus underlined in a press release that the opening of the Chinese market must also go hand in hand with rules of fair competition for foreign companies. Asked about the progress made to counter Chinese attempts to force French cosmetics companies to share their manufacturing secrets, a French presidential adviser replied that it was an important subject, which had been raised until the ‘Elysium. “ Now, the next step must above all be a dialogue with the competent authorities to explain to them the consequences of the regulations that are envisaged. “, declared the advisor.
The presidency also said that China had joined a French initiative called ” Buildings Breakthrough » which sets a target of zero carbon emissions for the building sector by 2030. Xi Jinping also affirmed that China, which took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month, was ready to strengthen its cooperation with France at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
Electric vehicles: China under EU investigation
The leader of the Asian giant also called on Paris to play a constructive role in promoting the positive development of relations between China and the EU. “ China and the European Union should remain partners for mutually beneficial cooperation ” Xi Jinping said during the call.
At the end of September, the tone rose between China and the European Union, after Brussels’ decision to launch an investigation into the subsidies granted by Beijing to electric car manufacturers. Which could lead to a significant increase in customs duties on Chinese cars. While Beijing had already denounced a measure “ protectionist ” which will ” a negative impact on economic relations » between the two blocs, Chinese Vice-Prime Minister He Lifeng made a new point during a meeting with European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, reaffirming the “ strong dissatisfaction » from the Chinese government.
Gaza and the humanitarian crisis at the heart of discussions
The two leaders also exchanged views on the conflict in Gaza and agreed that it was imperative to avoid a deterioration of the situation, especially an even more serious humanitarian crisis, Chinese state television reported. As a member of the United Nations Security Council, China, the French presidential adviser said, must contribute more to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. She currently pays him $1 million each year. “ China is a player that weighs more than before in the region “, and she ” has a strong relationship with Iran », We note from a French diplomatic source. “ The first thing we expect from China is to join its efforts with ours to ensure that we avoid any regional escalation “, we add, ensuring that we think that diplomatic exchanges between Paris and Beijing may have ” an impact » in this sense.
(With agencies)
