China tells France it's behind the EU

France has always been an important strategic partner to China no matter how global situations change, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday.

China is happy to see a prosperous and stable EU, and it will not change the policy of supporting European integration, he said, adding that China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the EU.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with French President Francois Hollande after a two-day G20 summit in Hangzhou.

China is willing to work with France to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various areas, enhance people-to-people exchanges and strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs, he said.

The Chinese president spoke highly of France's support for the summit, which has yielded rich results.

The quality and level of bilateral relations have been elevated comprehensively in recent years, which have brought about benefits to the people of both sides, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that China and the European Union have extensive common interests.

China expects France to play a greater role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU ties, he added.

Hollande congratulated China on the achievements at the G20 Hangzhou summit, especially the consensus on boosting world economic growth and trade, and tackling climate change.

France pays high attention to its relations with China, and is willing to promote cooperation with China in agriculture, food, nuclear power, tourism, environment as well as international and regional hot spot issues, Hollande said.