Chinese, French foreign ministers discuss trade and market economy status

World Today

France’s new Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited China to meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

At a press conference, Ayrault and his counterpart Wang Yi said they have confidence in ties between the two countries and see great potential for further development.

CCTV’s Jing Yingqiao reports.

China is urging the European Union to automatically give it market economy status by the end of this year, which is mandated in its deal with the World Trade Organization.

But, EU lawmakers recently voted against it, saying China’s excess production capacity and cheap exports are hurting EU jobs.

Though it was an unbinding move and it sends a worrying signal that one of the world’s most important trade relations is at risk of deteriorating.

Ayrault commented on the talks taking place in Vienna this week on the conflict in Syria.

“The meeting on the Syrian issue in Vienna tomorrow is part of the efforts for a political resolution to the Syrian problem. There are two preconditions for a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis: all sides should abide by the ceasefire agreement and we need to make sure humanitarian aid can be properly distributed in Syria. France and China share the same objective on the Syrian issue,” Ayrault said.

The two ministers also agreed to enhance high-level exchanges aimed at increasing political trust, and to make good use of various exchange mechanisms. They also agreed to seek an integration of economic plans.