China, France to build open and inclusive cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Paris again, five years from his last visit to the French capital. More than 100 French republican cavalry guards accompanied him from the Arc de Triomphe to the Elysee Palace on Monday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron before their talks in Paris, France, March 25, 2019. Xi Jinping held talks with Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday. [Photo: Xinhua/Yao Dawei]

A grand welcoming ceremony held at the Arc de Triomphe

French President Emmanual Macron says he chose Arc de Triomphe as the site to hold the welcoming ceremony for Xi Jinping's visit is because it is not only a famous landmark for the French people, but also carries the dream of the nation to pursue freedom and peace. Upon arrival, the first ladies of the two countries exchanged greetings in the French style, kissing each other's faces and hugging one another.

This year is of special significance, as it marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France and the 100th anniversary of China's work-study program in France. This is being marked by a series of high-level events during the Chinese president's visit, which included two French air force fighter jets to escort Xi Jinping's plane from Nice to Paris. On the eve of Xi Jinping's visit, he said in a signed article published in Le Figaro that he was travelling to Paris to reinforce the friendship of both countries with “great expectations for further growth of our bilateral relationship.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 25, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi and Marcon hold two meetings in 24 hours

In the evening on March 24, Xi Jinping and his wife attended a private dinner hosted by Macron and his wife at the Petrel Villa near Nice. The two heads of state and their spouses talked for nearly 3 hours.

The next day, the two leaders held a second meeting at the Elysee Palace to talk about national affairs, reaching a consensus toward building a more solid, stable and vibrant comprehensive strategic partnership on a new starting point.

"Knowing the past can help people judge today and move forward more soundly," President Xi Jinping quoted from a Chinese proverb, suggesting that the Sino-French relationship is based on mutual understanding. He suggested cooperation is going to require both countries to make solid plans, while promoting progress in terms of political trust, pragmatic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 25, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Ju Peng]

China continues to ease market access, improve business environment

The two leaders oversaw the signing of 14 bilateral documents on Monday. This included a pledge to promote Belt and Road cooperation and develop third-party markets, with deals worth 10 billion euros.

During their talks, Xi Jinping noted China's new law for foreign investment, which he says will help ease market access, improve business environments and strengthen intellectual property rights protection for foreign investors. Macron confirmed France will be taking part in the second "Belt and Road Initiative" International Cooperation Summit, as well as the second China International Import Expo next year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 25, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Ju Peng]

China's development relies on the world

China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council. As such, both leaders have said they hope to play an important role in safeguarding multilateralism, improving global governance and freeing trade momentum across the globe.

"We are pursuing happiness for our people, but we never forget the responsibility we shoulder in the world," said President Xi Jinping when he and Macron met with the press.

China will not seek to develop itself without caring for others, and the Belt and Road initiative is an example of China's connection to the world, which includes building peaceful and mutually beneficial development for all countries, said Xi.

President Xi Jinping also told Macron that China is willing to cooperate with France to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.