Economic cooperation has become the core of international relations in the 21st century. Because China and Europe are not security threats to each other, their economic cooperation level is the best gauge of their relations. China is Airbus’ largest single-country market, and the biggest market for French and most European luxury goods. China also provides the fastest-growing number of tourists and international students to Europe.

China and France support multilateralism besides economic and trade cooperation. The two sides also support the Paris Agreement on climate change. It is safe to say China and France are each other’s development partner. It is also the case between China and Europe.

France and Europe take China seriously, but they are also on guard against China. But those concerns are more about anxiety from facing an uncertain era, not because they are facing real threats from China.

China ordered Airbus planes, and some French and European people are concerned that Airbus will lose its market when China produces its own large passenger aircraft.

Chinese people buy French luxury items, and French people worry that Chinese people are getting richer. It’s a good thing that Chinese companies invest in Europe, but Europe worries that Chinese people are buying up their competitiveness.

These concerns are normal. They haven’t hindered the development of China-France and China-Europe relations, which shows a forward-moving trend.

French people should notice they have received China’s respect. The Chinese government never makes irresponsible remarks on France and Europe, although they have problems, nor did China provoke any conflict with them.

Some views in France and Europe often fall into the “China threat theory.” They smear China in politics, which gives Europe a false strategic impression of China. If such an impression is solidified, France and Europe’s cooperation with China may be restrained. Clearing up the misunderstandings will benefit Europe, which is also the responsibility of EU politicians.

China-France and China-Europe trade disputes can be alleviated through consultations. Reciprocal cooperation is the mainstream, and problems are only side effects.

The trade war reflects US bullying tactics. China and Europe strongly oppose such unilateralism. They are confident in promoting economic cooperation without a trade war.

China and the West have different political systems. But France was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with China, which shows French people’s strategic vision. Today, the US has taken extreme precautions against China, and the West is suspicious of China.

We hope France can again lead other Western countries in strategy. The strategy should be in line with the trend of globalization and benefit France’s interests.

China-France relations should be developed based on facts, not perceptions or imagination. Their economic and trade exchanges should be on a larger scale and higher quality. Their relations should help maintain a fairer world order that benefits peace and development. This is China’s sincere hope, and we hope France would share these views with us.