Royal keen that French students learn Chinese

French presidential candidate Segolene Royal has promised to give French high-school students more access to Chinese-language education if she wins the election this spring.

"More French people should learn Chinese, and senior high schools should set up Chinese classes," Royal said through an interpreter at a press conference in Beijing yesterday before wrapping up her four-day trip to China.

Cultural exchanges between the two sides are very important for strengthening bilateral ties, said Royal, who invited more Chinese students to study in France.