China - Conversation between Jean-Noel Barrot, minister for Europe and Foreign…

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on the telephone today, Monday 14 September, to Mr Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The two ministers emphasized the joint responsibility of France and China, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, to work to find constructive solutions to the threats that hang over the security and stability of the world.

They talked, among other things, about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The [French] Minister highlighted Russia's irresponsibility, the difficulties encountered by Russia and the support France is lending Ukraine. The two ministers discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major issue for stability and prosperity in Europe and Asia. The Minister recalled the Franco-British initiative to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and called for continued discussions with China about it.

In the spirit of President Macron's state visit to China in December 2025, the ministers talked about prospects for the bilateral relationship. The Minister lent his support for dialogue on the ongoing trade issues between the European Union and China, which is intended to lead to a substantial rebalancing of trade, at a time when Europe's trade deficit is unsustainable.

The two ministers agreed to maintain discussions on all these issues.