Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with French President's Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne

On March 23, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call at request with French President's Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne. They exchanged views on bilateral high-level exchanges and ways of promoting China-France  comprehensive strategic cooperation, and they reached new common understandings.

Wang Yi briefed Bonne at inquiry on President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia.  Wang expressed that it is an important visit between two neighboring major countries and a journey of cooperation and peace. The two heads of state reached a series of common understandings on expanding bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, defending the authority of the United Nations, and jointly advancing multipolarity in the world and promoting greater democracy in international relations. On the Ukraine issue, China stays committed to its basic position of promoting peace through talks. The joint statement issued by the two heads of state made an important interpretation of the Ukraine issue, sent a message of peace to the international community, and demonstrated the wish for dialogue. It met the common will of most countries, and identified the right direction for a political settlement of the crisis. China hopes that France and other European countries can also play their due roles in this regard. Ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks, and a political settlement of the crisis should become a strategic consensus between China and Europe.

Bonne expressed appreciation for China's positive role in promoting peace talks. On the Ukraine issue, France does not support bloc confrontation. Both France and China hope to end the crisis through political means and negotiation. France is ready to make joint efforts with China to facilitate cessation of hostilities and seek a peaceful solution.