BEIJING, May 6, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Editor's Note:
Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Sunday morning for state visits to
France, Serbia and Hungary at the invitation of President
Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of
France, President Aleksandar Vucic of the Republic of Serbia, and
President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary. Ahead of his visit to France, Global Times reporters Chen Qingqing
and Bai Yunyi (GT) interviewed former French prime minister
Jean-Pierre Raffarin (Raffarin),
talking about the significance of the state visit for China-France
relations, reviewing the future development of bilateral ties, and
discussing the role of China-France
relations in China-EU
relations.
GT: This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic
relations between China and
France. Could you share some
important historical moments and achievements from these 60 years
of China-France relations?
Raffarin: First of all, General de Gaulle's decision to
establish diplomatic relations with China in 1964 is itself historic. France's support for the Chinese authorities
in their fight against the SARS pandemic in 2003 was a major act,
as were the opening of the Airbus factory in North China's Tianjin and the commissioning of the first
Franco-Chinese nuclear reactor in South
China's Guangdong Province.
I am also very struck by the beauty of the Beijing Opera House designed by French
architect Paul Andreu. There have
been many joint creations across numerous fields. In 60 years, I
have made more than 100 trips to China; 100 opportunities for very fruitful
sharing.
GT: Over the last 60 years, what have been the changes and
constants in China-France relations?
Raffarin: The constant is France's desire for independence in its policy
with China. The change has been
the development of the European Union, which has made diplomatic
work more complex. All French presidents have followed, in relation
to China, Charles de Gaulle's major orientations: Respect
for civilizations, frank discussions, and co-responsibility for the
future.
GT: In your opinion, what is the core element that has
allowed these relations to withstand tests and continue to
progress?
Raffarin: The central core is the mutual cultural appetite.
Analyzing the differences in our two civilizations is
particularly fruitful as demonstrated by the philosopher François
Jullien.
Culture is the heart of our relationship. The joint curiosity
has been intact for centuries. This is the source of the respect
that allows us to live with deep differences.
GT: How do you assess the current relations between
China and France? Given the challenges of globalization
and changes in the international political and economic situation,
in which areas can China and
France strengthen
cooperation?
Raffarin: France has stable
relations with China unlike many
other countries, including in Europe. Chinese President Xi Jinping and
French President Emmanuel Macron are
two leading figures who know each other very well. They have spent
hours and hours in discussion together.
The priority of our future relations, in my opinion, is building
peace. In the short term, it is to act together for peace in
Ukraine. In the medium term, it is
to build a new multilateralism capable of allowing peace and
development on our common planet.
GT: In your opinion, what role do China-France
relations play within the framework of China-Europe
relations? How will Europe's
position in Chinese foreign policy evolve?
Raffarin: France's role in
Europe is very active. We defend
our ideas vigorously in all European forums. Our vision for
Europe's strategic independence is
gaining ground.
I think that the China-France
dialogue is the best way to bring about peaceful solutions.
GT: 2024 is the year of China-France
culture and tourism, as well as the Olympic year for France. Could you present the plans for
cultural cooperation and exchanges between China and France for this year?
Raffarin: Many public and private initiatives will mark this
year. For example, the exhibition on Versailles and the Forbidden City are
particularly creative. A cultural forum bringing together Chinese
and French artists will take place in November in Deauville.
France will be the guest of honor
at the Shanghai Expo. And more than
100 initiatives are already being programmed.
Cultural exchanges are the best medium for fostering mutual
understanding and reciprocal respect.
GT: What role does
cultural and human exchanges play in China-France
relations?
Raffarin: We will prioritize student exchanges because they are
the best vectors for promoting joint projects and creating deep and
authentic ties between the two countries.
GT: In the fields of emerging technologies, sustainable
development, and green energy, how can China and France seek new opportunities for
cooperation?
Raffarin: I think we need to work together on the theme that is
very popular among young Chinese and French people, which I call
"the Planetization of politics."
Only recently has the Planet become a political object. There is
a shared conviction among the world's youth: We must protect the
Planet to protect Humanity.
Global governance needs consensus to progress. It is around this
theme that it should be possible to invent a new multilateralism
that will correct the current multilateralism's impotence.
GT: Given the current uncertainty of the international
commercial environment, what are the challenges and opportunities
facing China-France economic cooperation? How do you view
2023's debates in Europe on
"de-risking" and this year's on "over capacity" in China?
Raffarin: We must understand our differences to avoid
misunderstandings. There is a real consensus in Europe that public money should be used to
help Europeans, for example, buy electric vehicles. But these
subsidies are not intended to assist the production of foreign
industries.
Since the WTO is currently partially blocked, trade regulation
should proceed through bilateral agreements. The only real way to
cooperate sustainably is to balance concessions.
GT: What are your expectations regarding the visit of
the Chinese top leader to France?
Raffarin: Peace in Europe.
Let's remain faithful to the spirit of General de Gaulle when, 60
years ago, he decided to establish diplomatic relations with
China. The differences were
probably greater than now, but the
central idea was that our destinies are linked and thus the path of
cooperation is more fruitful than confrontation. For this, direct
and frank dialogue, understanding of each other's interests and
values, and respect for sovereignty are necessary.
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SOURCE Global Times