China is also expecting to cooperate with France on civil aviation, space travel, climate change, agriculture and health. (Photo : Getty Images)
As he met with French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, Premier Li Keqiang has stated that China is open to collaboration with France in the area of nuclear energy, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.
Li was optimistic that the two countries will proceed with the implementation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant program. The countries are also discussing the possibility of joint development of the third-party nuclear power market.
In addition, China is also expecting to cooperate with France on civil aviation, space travel, climate change, agriculture, and health.
Upholding mutual respect and strong communication
For Li, since both China and France are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the two countries are beholden to promote mutual respect and cooperation in international affairs.
In contrast to the volatile political and economic situation in many parts of the world, Li praised Sino-French ties as a testament to the commitment of safeguarding peace, stability and development.
China has also expressed its support for further European integration. Beijing is hopeful that a prosperous European Union (EU) will prevail over the current sentiment against globalization and integration.
At the same time, Li took this opportunity to urge the EU to fulfill its obligations under the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is part of China’s strategy for further economic cooperation with the rest of Europe.
Dismantling protectionism
For Cazeneuve, he is looking forward to this new chapter on Sino-French cooperation and has reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to maintaining trade liberalization and combat protectionism.
Li also shares Cazeneuve’s enthusiasm to uphold globalization, stating that China is opposed to all kinds of protectionism, and safeguards an open international trade system as well as the multilateral framework.
Cazeneuve also stated that his country is ready to cooperate with China in finding a proper solution to the implementation of Article 15 on the Protocol on China’s WTO Accession.
