China urges ‘constructive dialogue’ with EU in high-level call with France

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a high-level phone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, urging the European Union to engage in "constructive dialogue" with China, according to a Chinese statement. The call came as Brussels has tightened investment screening, public procurement rules, and anti-subsidy measures, particularly concerning electric vehicles, due to what the EU has labeled as unfair Chinese competition.

Wang stressed that China and the EU should uphold their partnership, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, and resolve economic and trade frictions through constructive dialogue, as well as avoid escalating confrontations. He cautioned that protectionism would harm Europe's competitiveness, deprive consumers of quality products, raise inflation, and impede the green transition.

The discussion took place as France is currently serving as the rotating president of the United Nations Security Council and before the 81st UN General Assembly, which begins on September 22. France has often been more open to engagement with Beijing than other EU nations but has also advocated for stricter scrutiny of Chinese investments and expressed concerns about industrial overcapacity and subsidies.

As a major country with a strategic vision, Wang encouraged France to adopt a pragmatic and rational approach and work cooperatively with China to promote stability in Sino-EU relations.

Barrot acknowledged the difficulties and challenges in the EU-China economic and trade relations, while supporting ongoing EU-China trade talks and emphasizing the need for substantial rebalancing of trade due to Europe's persistent deficit. Regarding Taiwan, Wang reiterated that the one-China principle is the "political foundation" of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France, urging Paris to uphold it through concrete actions and refrain from engaging with Taiwan independence forces.

Both Wang and Barrot agreed on the stability of Sino-French relations under their respective leaders' guidance and discussed global risks, including Iran and the Ukraine crisis. They also exchanged viewpoints on issues like Russia's actions in Ukraine and freedom of navigation in key waterways.