Opinion: Xi's France visit enhances China-EU ties

Editor's note: Hu Hong is an assistant research fellow at the Department for European studies at the CHINA Institute of International studies. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting France from March 24 to March 26.

France is the last stop of Xi's ongoing Europe tour. Though the three-nation visit is mostly interpreted in the context of CHINA-EU relations, choosing France as the last stop instills more global outlook to the visit and allows people having a higher expectation for CHINA-EU relations in 2019.

Sino-Franco relations always has its multilateral and strategic thinking, and to some extent, it is now time to turn it into more actions.

First of all, a sound, stable and high-level development bilateral relations constitutes the fundamental of the relations. Xi's state visit to France, after an interval of five years, coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of CHINA-France diplomatic relations, and is “of special significance to bilateral relations”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Franch President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France, March 24, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

According to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao, during the visit, President Xi and his French counterpart will witness the signing of cooperation agreements covering energy, transport, agriculture, finance, culture, and technology.

This shows the continuity and deepening of cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, CHINA and France have boosted industrial cooperation, especially in the area of nuclear energy and aerospace. These successful experiences could be a solid basis for the bilateral exchanges and expand to other areas.

Secondly, President Xi's visit adds “positive energy” to CHINA-EU relations. Though European side has concerns over CHINA's activities, this visit shows that CHINA always regards the EU as an important partner for strategic cooperation, and takes its relations with the EU as a priority in its foreign relations.

According to State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the European Commission has recently presented its “EU-CHINA–A Strategic Outlook” to contribute to the discussion of CHINA-EU relations at the European Council of March 21-22, ahead of the forthcoming CHINA-EU summit on April 9.

After the EU summit on March 22, calls for European Unity on issues related to CHINA have been put forward by different European leaders several times. CHINA has been trying to convince the European side that cooperation rather than competition, or even collision should be the fulcrum of CHINA-EU relations.

A few days ago, CHINA and EU held the Ninth Round of High-Level Strategic Dialogue and the First Collective Dialogue of Foreign Ministers, which are constructive and effective for the CHINA-EU relations. President Xi's visit has surely brought more positive signals to the relationship.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with French president's Diplomatic Adviser Philippe Etienne during their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, CHINA, February 28, 2019. /VCG Photo

Moreover, France as a founding member and one of the two “engines” of European Integration, has its irreplaceable replace in the EU. Xi's France visit helps to deliver the message that CHINA is firmly committedto European integration and try to push the relationship forward by further cooperation.

Thirdly, President Xi's visit also improves the strategic cooperation between CHINA and France on the global stage. As the leading promoters of global governance on climate change in recent years, CHINA and France seek a further breakthrough on the issue, especially in the era when multilateralism and global governance is severely challenged. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides opportunities for cooperation. Both countries have their comparative advantage in third-party market cooperation, either the governments or companies from both countries can jointly discover a potential project

Though not sharing the same “exceptionalism” that the UK owns, France has its uniqueness in the European Union as well. It is off and with Europe, moreover, it is beyond Europe as well. France always has its strategic thinking. To some extent, 55 years ago, President De-Gaulle decision on becoming the first major Western country to establish official diplomatic relations with CHINA was out of his desire toseek “strategic autonomy”. And Macron's recent plan on Renaissance of Europe also reveals the president and the country's ambition.

Therefore, at the moment when the international order is rapidly changing, both CHINA and France should share their understanding of the global environment and reach a consensus to go hand in hand.

After the visit, the next important diplomatic event that President Xi will present will likely be the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in late April. While France and other European countries still have some concerns over the initiative, it is becoming clear that jointly building the initiative is the best way to solve the problems and materialize the benefits of the potential projects.

Keep arguing does no help for the relationship, both sides should try to find more potential projects and make the cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative beneficial to every party in the game.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)