Beijing seeks closer cooperation with France

China seeks more balanced trade relations and new opportunities for cooperation with France, Chinese leaders told visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Tuesday.

Premier Wen Jiabao said China, which is actively expanding domestic demand, would like to import more high-value-added goods from France to balance bilateral trade, and jointly tackle the global recession and debt crisis in Europe.

The new French leadership will consolidate ties with China and explore new potential for cooperation to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between both sides, said Fabius.