France urged to enhance China-EU ties

China hopes France can play a positive role in guiding the European Union to maintain a correct understanding of China, and develop the bloc's relationship and cooperation with China independently, Vice-President Wang Qishan said on Thursday.

Wang made the remark as he met visiting Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing via video link. France took over the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan 1.

Wang said that harmony in diversity is a good rule of thumb gained from the EU's development, and it should also be applied to guide China-EU relations.

China is ready to seek pragmatic cooperation with the bloc based on mutual respect and open cooperation in order to help achieve prosperity for both sides, he said.

It was Bonne's first visit to China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, following a visit in 2019.

Wang said that China has always regarded France as a comprehensive strategic partner and the bilateral relationship has maintained sound and stable development under the guidance of the two heads of state.

China is ready to work with France to make contributions to world peace, stability and sustainable development, he added.

Bonne said that his country is willing to enhance high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China and will play a constructive role in pushing for win-win cooperation between the EU and China.

On Thursday, Vice-Premier Liu He also met virtually with Bonne. The two sides exchanged views on issues such as China-France and China-EU economic and financial cooperation, global anti-pandemic cooperation and climate change.

Bonne was in China for a one-day trip. He also held the 22nd China-France Strategic Dialogue on Thursday with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi met on Wednesday with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Wuxi, Jiangsu province.

Wang said the essence of the Xinjiang issue is combating terrorism and separatism, and he hoped Turkey and Islamic countries can understand and support China's legitimate position on the issue.

Proposing that China and Turkey, as strategic partners, should be committed to enhancing mutual trust and mutual support, Wang said that China hopes the two sides abide by the basic norm of noninterference in internal affairs in international relations, do not participate in activities that target each other on international occasions and facilitate mutual understanding through bilateral channels.