Interview: Sino-French ties won't change main direction in 2017: ambassador

The Sino-French relationship will not change its main direction in 2017, Chinese Ambassador to France Zhai Jun said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"We have reasons to have confidence in the developement of Sino-French relationship," Zhai said.

The ambassador noted that in 2016 the China-France ties were characterized mainly by two features.

First, the bilateral ties have been growing at high levels, he said. The two countries' leaders conducted frequent exchanges and three high-level dialogues covering strategic, cultural and people-to-people, economic and financial fields, were successfully held in Paris.

Second, the Sino-French relationship has remained stable amid increasing uncertain and challenging international situations, according to Zhai.

"France has taken a responsible attitude on the cardinal issues concerning the fundamental principles of the Sino-French relationship," he noted, recalling the recent announcements by the French Foreign Ministry on supporting the one-China principle.

Regarding economic and trade ties between China and France, Zhai said in 2017, China and France will work together to further promote bilateral trade and maintain the momentum of cooperation in key sectors of nuclear power, aerospace, automotive, etc.

Both sides will also jointly encourage companies in both countries to deepen cooperation in sectors such as the "Silver Economy" and the construction of ecological cities, he added.

Moreover, the Chinese ambassador stressed that the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative opens new channels for the growth of China-France and China-Europe economic and trade ties. Endit