China and France Discuss Taiwan and EU Trade Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held a phone conversation on September 14, 2026, to address bilateral relations and global security. Wang Yi emphasized that the one-China principle serves as the political foundation of the partnership between the two nations and urged France to avoid official engagement with Taiwan.

During the call, Wang Yi cautioned that protectionism would harm European competitiveness and increase inflation, arguing that the European Union should view China's development as an opportunity. Jean-Noel Barrot affirmed France's adherence to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to promote constructive engagement between the EU and China to resolve existing economic frictions.

The ministers also discussed the Ukraine crisis and the situation in Iran. Wang Yi highlighted a four-point proposal from President Xi Jinping intended to create a new security architecture in the Middle East. Both officials noted that bilateral relations have remained stable under the guidance of their respective heads of state.