Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China wants more French companies to invest in the country and hopes that France will provide a fair and non-discriminatory trade environment for Chinese companies.
Chinese state television reported that Xi made these statements during a phone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in an effort to strengthen relations with France, China’s European trading partner, after Macron’s visit to China in April.
The European Union is investigating China’s support for electric cars, and is expected to launch another investigation into its steelmakers as well.
At the same time, many European countries complain about the vague laws and rules that China applies regarding foreign companies in the country.
“China wants to maintain a high level of trade exchange with the French side,” Xi said, adding that he welcomed more French products entering the Chinese market.
He added that China wants to strengthen cooperation frameworks with France in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
China assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council this month.
The President of China, the second largest economy in the world, called on France to play a constructive role in promoting the positive development of relations between China and the European Union, as relations are tense due to various issues, including the European Union’s efforts to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain to the war in Ukraine.
Chinese state television reported that the two leaders also exchanged views on the conflict in the Gaza Strip and agreed that it was necessary to avoid aggravation of the situation, especially a more serious humanitarian crisis.
