China and France share similar positions when it comes to the future world system, involving multipolarity and multilateralism, said an expert during an interview.
In the interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Jin Ling, director of China Institute of International Studies' Department for European Studies, said that China and France have expressed a shared desire for a more balanced distribution of global power.
She said this emphasis on multipolarity highlights a key area of convergence between China and France, with both countries viewing a multipolar world as beneficial to their national interests.
"I think China and France really share a lot of common positions in regard to the future world system. That is a kind of multipolarity of the world. Multipolarity doesn't mean there is no multilateralism. China has advocated for the so-called equal and orderly multipolarity. That is fundamentally in line with [what] Europe or France is calling for -- the multipolarity based on multilateralism," said Jin.
She explained the significance of strategic autonomy in China-Europe relations, as the European Union seeks a more balanced relationship with the U.S.
"I think China has made it very clear that Europe is a very unique power in the world. It is different from the U.S. and it could play a very positive role incorporating with [other] different partners to uphold the principle of UN Charter to promote multilateralism. So, that is why President Macron has also emphasized many, many times that the EU has its own way to deal with China. The EU will not be simply a follower of the U.S. [and] that I think is the spirit of so-called strategic autonomy," Jin said.
At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping started his state visit on Sunday. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and is of great significance in building on the past achievements and opening up new prospects for bilateral relations.
France is Xi's first leg of his three-European country tour which will also take him to Serbia and Hungary.
China, France share common positions on multipolarity, multilateralism: expert
