China can "convince" Russia to sit at the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reported.
Paris and Beijing "must coordinate to support a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine," he added. "China also has an (important) role to play in convincing Russia to come to the negotiating table with serious and bona fide proposals", the French top diplomat stressed.
Barrot stressed that "France opposes any form of trade war and supports dialogue on trade issues, especially between the EU and China".
Paris is seeking a quick resolution to the issue of Chinese sanctions on French cognac. "Our common goal is to find a quick resolution to this issue, which would allow us to concentrate our energy and efforts on the realization of partnerships and investments for the future", the French foreign minister stressed.
China and France will hold three high-level dialogues this year on strategic, economic, financial and cultural issues, Wang Yi said, quoted by Reuters. He described the talks with his French counterpart as "constructive" and said the two sides will use the consultation mechanism between foreign ministries for in-depth communication on common issues.
"Amidst profound changes in the international environment, the two countries, as comprehensive strategic partners, should demonstrate historical awareness, uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateralism" in international relations, he added at a press conference after the meeting.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace, while exploring innovative industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, intelligent vehicles, green hydrogen and bio-manufacturing.
"We will also encourage more capable and willing Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in France," Wang said. "China is resolute in its commitment to advancing international climate governance and addressing climate challenges," the Chinese foreign minister added. The French foreign minister, for his part, called on China to participate at a high level, together with France, in implementing ocean commitments.