Why China-France relations are a pillar of global stability

Editor's note: Jessica Durdu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a foreign affairs specialist and PhD candidate in international relations at China Foreign Affairs University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The recent phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, initiated by the latter, is not just another episode in routine diplomacy. It is a strategic dialogue between two enduring powers at a time of unprecedented global volatility. Their discussion underscores a broader narrative: China-France relations, and by extension China-Europe cooperation, are becoming increasingly vital for the world's stability, economic resilience, and the preservation of multilateralism.

Xi's emphasis on the original spirit of China-France diplomatic ties – independence, mutual understanding, strategic vision and win-win cooperation – resonates with the global community's call for a more inclusive and multipolar world order. These are not abstract principles; they are the foundational values that enabled France to become the first major Western power to establish official diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1964.

This historical legacy now finds renewed relevance as both nations navigate a multipolar era fraught with protectionist tendencies, regional conflicts and geopolitical fragmentation.

The phone call reaffirmed the strategic importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation in traditional sectors like aerospace and nuclear energy, while exploring frontier domains such as the digital economy and green development. This dual-track collaboration reflects a pragmatic recognition of each other's strengths and the need to align on future-oriented sectors that will define global competitiveness.

Xi's reaffirmation of China's support for Europe as an independent global pole signals a clear diplomatic message: China does not seek to divide Europe but to encourage its strategic autonomy. In this regard, France plays a leading role as Macron has consistently advocated for a Europe that is neither subservient to American hegemony nor isolated from the Global South.

This support has become even more critical as Europe finds itself at the crossroads of a shifting transatlantic relationship and rising protectionism. The punitive tariffs and unilateral policies spearheaded by the Trump administration have exposed the vulnerability of relying heavily on a single partner. France and China, as key proponents of multilateralism, have a shared responsibility to anchor global governance structures like the United Nations, uphold international trade rules and work toward inclusive global growth.

The global challenges discussed by Xi and Macron – the Ukraine crisis, the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Iranian nuclear issue – are symptomatic of a world increasingly lacking consistent leadership. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, both countries share a unique moral and political responsibility to resist further erosion of the post-war international order.

Importantly, Macron's renewed commitment to the one-China principle amid growing international pressures and realignments signals diplomatic consistency and respect for another country's sovereignty, an attitude that fosters trust and dialogue rather than confrontation.

At a time when international institutions are under pressure and the principle of non-intervention is often disregarded, China and France have the opportunity to set a different tone, one rooted in dialogue, balanced diplomacy and shared responsibility.

In the face of economic decoupling and technological bifurcation, China and France must act as bridges, not barricades, in the international system. Their joint efforts in climate action, sustainable development, and digital governance could help steer global cooperation away from fragmentation and toward solidarity.

Moreover, their collaboration offers a blueprint for EU-China relations, where competitive elements are managed through dialogue, and cooperative avenues are pursued without ideological preconditions.

The China-France relationship is thus not merely bilateral, it is a strategic fulcrum upon which broader East-West relations can be stabilized. At a time when bloc mentality threatens to undermine global cooperation, the enduring partnership between Paris and Beijing may well prove to be the ballast that keeps global diplomacy anchored in rationality, mutual benefit and shared destiny.

In a world where confrontation too often trumps cooperation, the Xi-Macron phone call offers a hopeful reminder: Diplomacy, when practiced with foresight and sincerity, still matters. And more importantly, it still works.

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