Beijing urges France to respect one-China principle during high-level talks

Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi held talks with French presidential adviser Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing on Friday, emphasizing the need for France to respect China's core interests, particularly the one-China principle. According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang said the foundation of Paris-Beijing ties lies in 'solid political mutual trust' and urged France to 'refrain from any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities and send no wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces'. This marks the second exchange between the two officials in two months, following a phone conversation in late March. Wang also noted that China sees Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports European integration and EU growth.

The meeting underscores Beijing's ongoing diplomatic push to solidify the one-China principle internationally, especially as the United States continues arms sales to Taiwan. Wang called for a strategic partnership 'free from external interference', a clear reference to US influence. France, like most countries, does not recognize Taiwan as independent but maintains unofficial ties. This high-level dialogue reflects China's strategy of engaging key European powers to counterbalance US pressure while advancing its core sovereignty claims. The outcome may affect France's future stance on Taiwan and broader EU-China relations.