What Makes the Cooperation Between China and France a Two-Way Success?
As French President Emmanuel Macron embarks on his fourth state visit to China, the bilateral relationship between these two nations is under the spotlight, accentuated by a recent article from CGTN that delves into what makes their cooperation mutually beneficial. The foundation of this successful collaboration rests upon several pillars, including mutual commitment, high political trust, and a shared vision for multilateralism in a multipolar world.
One of the most significant projects underscoring this partnership is the recent inauguration of Airbus's second final assembly line for A320 aircraft in Tianjin, northern China, in October. This operation is projected to contribute 20 percent of the global production capacity for the A320 family of aircraft. The significance of this project was notably highlighted back in April 2023 when a framework agreement was signed in the presence of both Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Macron during his previous visit.
Upon Macron's arrival in Beijing for his current visit, discussions between him and Xi Jinping centered around utilizing available opportunities to expand the scope of cooperation. Xi emphasized the need for both countries to reinforce political trust regardless of the external environment’s fluctuations. They agreed that even in times of uncertainty, there should be a strong mutual understanding and support concerning crucial interests and pressing concerns.
Macron reiterated France’s commitment to its relationship with China, advocating for a continual deepening of their strategic partnership. Xi Jinping elaborated further, declaring that recent discussions have led to formulating recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims to integrate a development strategy that includes various opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
China and France are looking to tap into traditional areas of cooperation such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy while also exploring new territories, specifically in green economy initiatives, digital economics, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, among others. Macron expressed optimism regarding China’s economic dynamism, which he believes supports openness and collaboration, thus providing more avenues for investment, particularly in France.
According to recent statistics from China’s Ministry of Commerce, the country has become France’s largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest worldwide. It is also noted that, during the period between January and October 2025, the bilateral trade volume reached approximately $68.75 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent year-on-year, with cumulative investments exceeding $27 billion. This statistic underscores the tangible progress both nations have made in fostering economic relations.
Cultural and interpersonal exchanges have also been on the rise. Over 6,000 French students arrived in China last year as part of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This cultural immersion contributes significantly to the overall strengthening of ties.
A recent CGTN survey revealed that a majority of respondents, 75 percent, support stronger economic collaboration between China and France to collectively address external risks and challenges, with 77.8 percent believing that expanding cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefits not only strengthens bilateral relations but also significantly influences the shaping of the international landscape.
Xi Jinping stated that both China and France play pivotal roles as independent and visionary major countries, emphasizing their constructive influence in advocating for a multipolar world that embodies solidarity and cooperation among humanity. In light of accelerating global transformations, Xi called for both nations to act with a robust sense of responsibility and uphold multilateralism.
Macron echoed this sentiment, expressing France’s commitment to fostering healthy and stable relations between Europe and China while believing that both regions should maintain ongoing dialogue and cooperation. This mutual understanding is critical, especially given the current global geopolitical instability and the challenges faced by the multilateral order.
In conclusion, the success of China-France cooperation hinges on their ability to navigate challenges collaboratively, thus showcasing a model for effective bilateral engagement that resonates with the demands of contemporary global dynamics. Surveys like the one conducted by CGTN, wherein 92.5 percent advocate for genuine multilateralism, reflect the shared hope that such partnerships can effectively address global challenges, ultimately leading to a more stable and collaborative international community.
One of the most significant projects underscoring this partnership is the recent inauguration of Airbus's second final assembly line for A320 aircraft in Tianjin, northern China, in October. This operation is projected to contribute 20 percent of the global production capacity for the A320 family of aircraft. The significance of this project was notably highlighted back in April 2023 when a framework agreement was signed in the presence of both Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Macron during his previous visit.
Upon Macron's arrival in Beijing for his current visit, discussions between him and Xi Jinping centered around utilizing available opportunities to expand the scope of cooperation. Xi emphasized the need for both countries to reinforce political trust regardless of the external environment’s fluctuations. They agreed that even in times of uncertainty, there should be a strong mutual understanding and support concerning crucial interests and pressing concerns.
Macron reiterated France’s commitment to its relationship with China, advocating for a continual deepening of their strategic partnership. Xi Jinping elaborated further, declaring that recent discussions have led to formulating recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims to integrate a development strategy that includes various opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
China and France are looking to tap into traditional areas of cooperation such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy while also exploring new territories, specifically in green economy initiatives, digital economics, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, among others. Macron expressed optimism regarding China’s economic dynamism, which he believes supports openness and collaboration, thus providing more avenues for investment, particularly in France.
According to recent statistics from China’s Ministry of Commerce, the country has become France’s largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest worldwide. It is also noted that, during the period between January and October 2025, the bilateral trade volume reached approximately $68.75 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent year-on-year, with cumulative investments exceeding $27 billion. This statistic underscores the tangible progress both nations have made in fostering economic relations.
Cultural and interpersonal exchanges have also been on the rise. Over 6,000 French students arrived in China last year as part of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This cultural immersion contributes significantly to the overall strengthening of ties.
A recent CGTN survey revealed that a majority of respondents, 75 percent, support stronger economic collaboration between China and France to collectively address external risks and challenges, with 77.8 percent believing that expanding cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefits not only strengthens bilateral relations but also significantly influences the shaping of the international landscape.
Xi Jinping stated that both China and France play pivotal roles as independent and visionary major countries, emphasizing their constructive influence in advocating for a multipolar world that embodies solidarity and cooperation among humanity. In light of accelerating global transformations, Xi called for both nations to act with a robust sense of responsibility and uphold multilateralism.
Macron echoed this sentiment, expressing France’s commitment to fostering healthy and stable relations between Europe and China while believing that both regions should maintain ongoing dialogue and cooperation. This mutual understanding is critical, especially given the current global geopolitical instability and the challenges faced by the multilateral order.
In conclusion, the success of China-France cooperation hinges on their ability to navigate challenges collaboratively, thus showcasing a model for effective bilateral engagement that resonates with the demands of contemporary global dynamics. Surveys like the one conducted by CGTN, wherein 92.5 percent advocate for genuine multilateralism, reflect the shared hope that such partnerships can effectively address global challenges, ultimately leading to a more stable and collaborative international community.
Topics General Business）
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