China, France to maintain strategic ties

Vice President Xi Jinping and State Councilor Dai Bingguo have met with Jean-David Levitte, a diplomatic adviser to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The two sides agreed to cherish and maintain their comprehensive strategic partnership after a series of unhappy incidents in France, and recent visits paid by high-level French officials.

Xi Jinping said China hopes France will pay closer attention to the current problems facing Sino-French relations, and take concrete actions to promote bilateral ties.

He said a series of events that were unfriendly to China had occurred in France recently, and they have hurt the Chinese people's feelings and damaged the image of France in the minds of Chinese people.

Xi Jinping explained the Chinese government's policies on Tibet and briefed Levitte on preparations for the Beijing Olympics.

The vice president told Levitte that the Chinese government and people have the confidence and ability to hold a successful Summer Games.

For his part, Levitte said the French government and President Sarkozy attach great importance to strengthening ties with China, and they are ready to do all they can in that regard.

He said France firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and believes that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China. He also wished the Beijing Olympics a great success.

In a separate meeting between State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Levitte, the two agreed that China and France should view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

They pledged to work together to remove obstacles, strengthen mutual trust, and promote the healthy and smooth development of Sino-French relations.