China: Some countries use tariffs as a weapon

Meeting in Paris, the capital of France, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a joint press conference.

Wang noted that they discussed human mobility between the two countries with the French minister.

Wang said that everyone agrees that the world is going through transformation and turmoil, and emphasized that major countries must take responsibility in this regard.

Noting that France and China are members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Wang said, "We must continue the founding mission of the United Nations."

Wang said the two countries should contribute to stability, peace and development in the world, adding, "We are pleased that France has reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy."

Wang said that his country is ready to strengthen strategic communication with France to take part in resolving the Russia-Ukraine War as well as different files in the Middle East, adding, "The United Nations is the most important platform for preserving global peace."

Wang noted that Iran's top leaders attach great importance to their commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and expressed that they respect the country's right to use nuclear energy peacefully.

Wang stressed that Israel had no legitimate grounds for attacking Iran and noted that Iran's nuclear program could be resolved through a new negotiated agreement.

Stating that Israel's attacks on Gaza must end, Wang said, "The humanitarian disaster must end."

Wang said they hoped France would provide a fair and transparent environment for Chinese companies, adding:

"Currently, some major countries are using tariffs as weapons, abusing the concept of security in economic and trade cooperation, and putting national interests above all else. These actions are seriously disrupting the stability of industrial supply chains and seriously harming the common interests of the international community."

France wants Iran to resume cooperation with IAEA

Barrot noted that they particularly support student mobility between the two countries and said that Chinese students are always welcome in France.

Barrot, who pointed out that they have sought constructive solutions to issues on which they have disagreed as a result of the dialogue they have been carrying out since the beginning of the year, said, "I am particularly thinking of the agreement reached between the Chinese authorities and the (French) cognac sector. Mr. Minister, I would like to thank you for our constructive discussions on this issue."

Barrot stressed that France and China have a special responsibility in seeking solutions to various crises in the international arena, adding, "I am referring particularly to the search for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

Underlining that the Russia-Ukraine War was a vital issue for Europe, Barrot continued as follows:

"While Ukraine is committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire, Russia is running away and showing that it has no good intentions in the peace process. We are counting on China to persuade Moscow to stop the fighting and negotiate a lasting peace in good faith."

Barrot argued that a permanent solution to concerns about Iran's nuclear program was through a diplomatic solution, and emphasized that the parties should act jointly to ensure that they find a way to negotiate.

"China has an important role to play. We will continue to coordinate closely and work together on a solution," Barrot said, calling on Iran to immediately resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).