On March 1, 2019, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee Yang Jiechi met with Diplomatic Adviser to the President of France Philippe Étienne in Beijing.

Yang Jiechi expressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France 55 years ago, bilateral relations have achieved substantial development. Such development reflects distinct strategic, global and epochal significance, and also brings tangible benefits to the two peoples. Faced with a complex and ever-changing international situation, both sides should adhere to the guidance of the two heads of state, strengthen exchanges at all levels, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism and improve global governance, so as to push China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to develop in an in-depth way at higher levels and in broader areas.

Philippe Étienne said that the French side is willing to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and jointly safeguard multilateralism with the Chinese side on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and take the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China as an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to new highs.