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China, France vow to step up ties

Chirac reaffirms "one-China" policy, says stance will not change

BEIJING: China and France on Thursday vowed to step up bilateral cooperation in various fields and promote their all-round strategic partnership.

In talks with his visiting French counterpart Jacques Chirac, Chinese President Hu Jintao said the last few years had witnessed a series of successful bilateral exchanges that had built mutual trust and understanding.

Mr. Hu and Mr. Chirac expressed their appreciation of the progress made in bilateral relations, and said that the all-round strategic partnership had opened broad prospects for Sino-French relations in the new century. They agreed to push forward the bilateral partnership.

Mr. Hu said trade volume had quadrupled in 10 years, and there had been fruitful scientific and technological exchanges and multiple cultural activities.

Activities such as the Year of China and Year of France and youth exchanges have helped promote understanding, Mr. Hu said. China appreciates the "one-China" stand followed by France, its opposition to ``Taiwan independence'', and support for China's peaceful reunification, said Mr. Hu.

Mr. Chirac, who arrived here on Wednesday afternoon on a four-day state visit, spoke highly of the rapid growth of bilateral relations. He pointed to the in-depth strategic dialogues, colourful cultural and youth exchanges and close coordination in international affairs.

He said bilateral relations are close and trustful, reiterating that France firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is opposed to ``Taiwan independence'', and this position will not change.

After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement and attended a signing ceremony for contracts covering various fields.

Airbus deal signed

China signed an order on Thursday for 150 mid-size Airbus A320 planes, and they will be built at a plant in China, the European aircraft maker's chief executive officer said.

The Airbus sale was among a series of business deals signed as Mr. Chirac began a state visit to China.

China also signed a letter of intent to purchase 20 of Airbus's planned larger A350, which is still on the drawing board. — Xinhua, AP

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