Chinese, French presidents reach deal on climate change
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| Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for his French counterpart Francois Hollande prior to their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 2, 2015. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua] |
During their talks, Hollande told Xi he is visiting China hoping to further the all-round strategic partnership with China.
The two countries share similar views on many global affairs, and maintain political trust and dialogue, he said.
Xi proposed both countries boost major cooperation projects in nuclear power and aeroplane manufacturing, increase cultural exchanges and jointly promote the building of new international relations.
The Chinese president welcomed France to participate in the Belt and Road initiative.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of 17 cooperation documents later on Monday, ranging from trade, finance, energy to environmental protection and cultural exchange.
Hollande's visit came days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to China and Xi's Britain trip from Oct. 19-23.
"The intensive China-Europe interactions show how important the Chinese market is to Europe in terms of trade and economy," said Chen Xin, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
While stepping up trade ties with China, European leaders hope to explore China's development blueprint amid the country's economic slowdown, Chen said.
China also needs Europe's support in fields such as the RMB's inclusion in the International Monetary Fund's special drawing rights basket, he added.
Hollande will also meet with other top Chinese leaders before wrapping up his two-day China trip on Tuesday.