Beijing: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Thursday to discuss trade tensions and strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors. During his two-day visit, which concludes on Friday, Barrot also urged China to leverage its influence in encouraging Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Following the talks, Wang Yi announced that France and China would hold three high-level dialogues this year, focusing on strategic, economic, financial, and cultural matters. He described the discussions as “constructive” and highlighted both countries' commitment to ongoing consultations on shared concerns.
Barrot’s visit takes place against the backdrop of global trade tensions, exacerbated by U.S. tariff policies affecting China and the European Union. During their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Wang emphasized the importance of multilateralism and opposed unilateral measures that disrupt international stability. He stated that both nations aim to enhance their strategic coordination on pressing regional and global issues.
As part of their efforts to deepen cooperation, China and France agreed to expand collaboration in agriculture, nuclear energy, aviation, and aerospace. Additionally, they will explore emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, connected vehicles, green hydrogen, and biomanufacturing. Wang expressed China’s willingness to encourage its enterprises to invest in France.
Although Wang did not directly address ongoing trade disputes, Barrot underscored the importance of resolving economic disagreements, particularly concerning France’s cognac exports. In October, China imposed provisional tariffs of 30.6% to 39% on European brandy imports—impacting French producers—following the EU’s decision to levy duties on Chinese electric vehicles. Barrot stressed that resolving these issues swiftly would enable both sides to focus on fostering positive economic partnerships.
Barrot also voiced France’s support for EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic’s ongoing negotiations in Beijing to address trade frictions.
On the Ukraine conflict, Barrot encouraged China to take an active role in facilitating diplomatic efforts to end the war. He emphasized that stronger bilateral relations between France and China would be more effective if security and economic interests were balanced.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change, with Wang Yi stating that China remains dedicated to international climate governance. France, in turn, called for China’s high-level participation in initiatives aimed at protecting the world’s oceans.
