China, France working together can smoothen the global bumps

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to visit France. This special moment strengthens bilateral relations, especially when the world is undergoing a bumpy ride. The ongoing armed conflicts, the global warming issue, the commercial disputes, and, more broadly, the breakdown of multilateralism are of growing concern. What can be done to challenge a global noxious atmosphere and the suspicions it arouses?

The number one question is how to ease the international tensions by improving collective security.

Both countries share the same view: peace is the prerequisite of enlightened progress broadly beneficial to our economies and societies. Concretely, that means the world has much to gain through diplomatic efforts than through drawing battle lines. History teaches us that the persistence of conflicts is harmful for everyone. So, it is time to put forward the idea of holding an international conference. As Jean Monnet once said, we had to get around the table and put the problem in the middle. An initiative borne by two countries with different political systems from distinct geographical areas is more likely to be heard by the international community. While respecting national sovereignty, the purpose of the conference is to build the foundation for cooperation by strengthening the procedures that civilize the world without creating conflict, without there being any cause for conflict, and without starting military conflict.

The second question is to address the issue of commercial disputes.

The multilateral system embodied by the World Trade Organization and the current Doha Development Agenda is not functioning well. If the “every man from himself” is not yet the rule, we are not that far. The temptation of reverting to protectionism, the proliferation of customs barriers, the subsidies, and the binding norms threaten the smooth flow of trade.

Despite criticism, globalization has brought benefits. On the one hand, the affordability of low-priced consumer goods to everyone. On the other hand, economic development. Of course, this model should be corrected.

The BRICS strives for a more equitable share of the collective wealth and a less dependence on the dollar. For their part, Western countries support policies aimed at inducing reindustrialization. It is clear that an appropriate balance has to be struck between these two positions. It requires leadership and ambition. France could play a major role in the search for a fair and lasting agreement as regards to trade relations between China and the European Union. As part of their bilateral relations, France and China should boost business opportunities. For example, China is way ahead in the area of electric car.

Given its geographic location and its long-time experience in car manufacturing, France is a perfect venue to welcome and to set up Chinese factories. On the other hand, France has renowned experience in the agricultural field and in securing the food chain. China could house farm pilots for the development of true Chinese livestock sector with a genetic library. Lastly, the business community is first and foremost a mix of entrepreneurs, ideas, and research. Both countries have to foster individual initiatives to encourage the desire to cooperate, to settle partnerships in a very operational manner.

The third question refers to climate change.

As the situation is worsening, there is no time to waste. Both countries have advocated for the Paris Agreement. As a result, they have initiated a profound energy transition by developing integrated technologies that radically transform production processes. They are promoting renewable energies by diversifying electricity production and energy efficiency. They are stimulating the implementation of recycling facilities and plants. Moreover, they are supporting the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through binding mechanisms. In view of the urgency of the situation, more can be done. There too, they need to set an example to the world. Innovation and imagination must be at the heart of a shared approach. By combining their strengths, by pooling scientific expertise, several joint projects ought to be launched.

Thematic working groups involving universities, companies and domestic private investors need to be set up to respond to emergencies, for instance, flood risks, landslides control (through reforestation) and droughts control (through ecosystem conservation). In addition, they must take up the challenge of robots, artificial intelligence, and high-tech products to provide solutions to stop global warming.

Aligning their strengths, China and France could push the process at all levels focused on the well-understood survival of Earth. In the end, these efforts could yield positive results in calming obsolete and pointless tensions.

François de la Chevalerie is a member of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, Secretary-General of OPLAA, an AI business intelligence think tank.

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