Wang Yi held talks with French President’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Bernard.
On May 8, 2026, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, held talks in Beijing with Bonne, foreign affairs advisor to the President of France.
Wang Yi stated that President Macron’s successful visit to China last December resulted in important consensus between the two sides on promoting the steady and sound development of China-France relations. The strategic guidance of the two heads of state reflects the high level and special nature of the bilateral relationship. China is willing to work with France to continue implementing the outcomes of President Macron’s visit, enabling China-France cooperation to achieve greater progress and bring more benefits to the people of both countries. China attaches importance to the recent passage by the French Parliament of a draft law simplifying the procedures for the return of illegally acquired cultural relics from other countries, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with France in this regard to enhance people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. In today’s world rife with chaos, China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and independent major powers, bear important responsibilities for maintaining international peace, stability, and development. It is necessary for both sides to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, jointly address global challenges, and promote the healthy and stable development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, free from various interferences.
Wang Yi stated that the foundation of China-France relations is solid political mutual trust, and the key is mutual respect for each other’s core interests. He hoped that France would take concrete actions to uphold the one-China principle, refrain from any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan authorities, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. China’s policy towards Europe has been consistent: it has always viewed Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports European integration and the development and growth of the EU. China and the EU have always been partners, not adversaries. He hoped that France, as an important EU member state, would play a positive and constructive role in promoting a correct and rational understanding of China within the EU, adopting pragmatic and open trade and economic policies towards China, and clearing obstacles for the long-term, healthy, and stable development of China-EU relations.
Bonne stated that France highly values the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two heads of state. During President Macron’s visit to China last year, the two sides issued an ambitious joint statement, demonstrating their strong commitment to developing bilateral relations. France fully understands the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, adheres to the one-China policy, and this policy will not change. France is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and strengthen strategic communication and coordination on bilateral and multilateral platforms. France looks forward to close cooperation with China to jointly find constructive solutions to global crises. In the current international situation, maintaining dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China is crucial. The EU needs China and hopes to be a trustworthy partner with China. France is willing to play a positive role in promoting EU-China dialogue and cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on issues of common concern, such as global economic governance and the situation in the Middle East.
: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China