Foreign and Military Affairs

Ties touched new high: French PM

By Cheng Guangjin and Li Xiaokun (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-23 07:25

Sino-French relations have touched a new high, said French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, wrapping up his 48-hour visit, which saw a flurry of deals signed, yesterday.

"My responsibility during this visit was to consolidate new milestones in the relationship between the two countries," Fillon said. "We have achieved impressive results."

Three agreements related to aviation were inked between Beijing and Paris. Besides, a nameplate for two nuclear reactors to be jointly built by the two countries in Guangdong province was unveiled during Fillon's visit.

Song Xiaojun, a leading military expert based in Beijing, said the best part about the deals this time was the agreement to transfer high technology.

"We have to look at how much technology is transferred and how much is just (hi-tech) exports. We have to look at that (before judging the value of the deals for China)," Song said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to visit China to inaugurate the Shanghai World Expo in May next year, Fillon said, adding Sarkozy has invited President Hu Jintao to visit France next year.

Even bigger deals are expected during Sarkozy's visit, said Hong Lin, an international relations commentator and former reporter with China Radio International.

Fillon said his visit to China came after "President Sarkozy demanded it". "This idea occurred to him (Sarkozy) after his meetings with President Hu," Fillon said.

The meeting between Hu and Sarkozy in London in April, ahead of the G20 Summit, significantly improved relations a year after the French president soured ties by publicly embracing the Dalai Lama.

"The misunderstandings between China and France have been solved," Fillon said yesterday.