Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao proposed in
Paris Tuesday that China and France strengthen political,
economic and cultural cooperation to deepen their comprehensive
strategic partnership.
Hu, here on a three-day state visit, told the second session of
formal talks with French president Jacques Chirac that the Chinese
government is ready to work with the French side to boost such a
partnership as the two countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic
relations.
Leaders of both nations have viewed and developed bilateral ties
from a strategic height and both countries champion an independent
foreign policy, democratization in international relations and are
committed to bringing into play the role of the United Nations, Hu
said.
These, and the great potentials for bilateral cooperation in
economy and trade, culture, and science and education, constitute
the favorable factors for a smooth development of Sino-French
relations, he added.
Chirac, for his part, hailed Hu's visit as one that inherits the
past and ushers in the future, saying it will definitely help
advance the comprehensive and strategic cooperation between the two
countries.
Hu proposed that the two sides strengthen the exchange of
high-level visits and further enhance their strategic cooperation,
intensify dialogue and consultation on such important international
issues as the role of the UN, terrorism, non-proliferation, the
fight against cross-border crimes, and sustainable development so
as to help safeguard world peace and stability.
The Chinese president also called for the establishment of a
long-term and stable comprehensive economic and trade partnership
between the two countries and the opening up of new areas for
cooperation in farming, environmental protection, small and
medium-sized enterprises, and disease prevention and control.
Hu expressed hope that France sharpen its competitive edge,
strengthen technology transfer and take a more active part in
market competition in China.
He urged greater cultural exchanges to help the peoples of the
two countries to have a more in-depth understanding of the history
and culture of each other, to step up cooperation in education,
science and technology, and to facilitate the cultural diversity of
the world.
Chirac concurred with Hu's proposals, adding that the two sides
should consolidate and strengthen their cooperation in
international affairs.
France is anxious to expand its economic and trade cooperation
with China, especially in such areas as nuclear energy, aviation,
railways, space technology, and life science, Chirac said.
Following their talks, the two leaders signed the Chinese-French
Joint Declaration, which reviews the development of Sino-French
comprehensive strategic partnership since 1997, and puts forward
guidelines for improving the partnership.
In the declaration, the French government makes it clear it
upholds the one-China policy, and opposes "any unilateral
initiative whatsoever, including a referendum which aims to change
the status quo by increasing tensions in the strait and leading to
Taiwan's independence."
Speaking at a joint press conference after talks with Chirac, Hu
expressed his belief that the declaration will play an important
role in promoting the Sino-French relations in the future.
To promote Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership is in
the basic interests of both countries, conducive to Sino-EU
cooperation, and beneficial to the world's peace, stability,
development and prosperity, Hu stressed.
For his part, Chirac said the two sides have started a process
that will increase exchanges between the two countries, and
Franceis willing to promote the exchanges with China.
Answering a question on the Taiwan issue, Chirac reiterated
France's one-China policy. He said the French government opposes
any unilateral initiative including "referendum" that is designed
to change the status quo and heighten the tensions across the
Taiwan Strait. Such initiative is irresponsible, the French
president added.
France is the first leg of Hu's four-nation tour, which will
also take him to Egypt, Gabon and Algeria.
(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2004)