【By Observer Net, Wang Yi】At a time when the global order is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, although Sino-French relations face complex challenges, the overall situation remains positive. In an interview published on October 28, Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li told Hong Kong's South China Morning Post that French President Macron's visit to China "has no major obstacles," and both sides are coordinating for an appropriate time.
Deng Li stated that Europe should not only have a strong influence in economic and cultural fields but also become an important political force in maintaining world peace and stability. As a country with the most independent and autonomous traditions in the EU, France should take the lead in guiding Europe to achieve this goal.
The world is experiencing a once-in-a-century transformation. After the Trump administration came to power in the United States, it triggered a series of policy fluctuations such as global tariff wars and trade wars, which have increased global risks and uncertainties.
In this context, Deng Li believes that "if we want the world to remain stable, we should follow the direction of 'a multipolar world with equal order' and 'an inclusive and equitable economic globalization.' Europe is facing a choice in this regard."
"I have told the French people that just like this table, it must have at least three legs to be stable," Deng Li said. "If Europe has the ambition, it should be the third leg, but whether they are willing to do so can only be answered by themselves."
The European Commission released its "EU-China Strategic Outlook" in 2019, defining China as a "partner, competitor, and systemic rival," using the so-called "threefold positioning" or "three-part approach" to formulate its China policy. Deng Li criticized this definition, believing it sends out "confusing signals" and should not serve as the guiding policy for bilateral relations.
Deng Li explained that any bilateral relationship may simultaneously include cooperation, competition, and differences, but this should not form the basis of policy. Policy must have a clear main direction. China hopes that Europe will take "partner" as the main line of Sino-European relations.
Deng Li cited a metaphor from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, saying that the EU's "threefold positioning" is like a crossroads where "red, green, and yellow lights are all on." "How would you drive in such a situation? It simply doesn't work."
"The key to the Ukraine-Russia issue is not in China's hands"
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, China's strategic relationship with Russia has become a sensitive issue in Sino-European relations. European countries have repeatedly asked China to use its influence to end the conflict, and the EU even ignored warnings and insisted on listing Chinese companies in the 19th round of sanctions against Russia, and for the first time sanctioned a large Chinese oil refinery and petroleum trader. China strongly opposes this.
In Deng Li's view, this European perspective misses the point. He emphasized that China has always advocated resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means, but "the key is not in China's hands."
"I understand Europeans' concerns about their own security, but how to see and handle this issue is ultimately something that Europe itself must seriously consider," Deng Li said directly. "Do both sides really have what is in China's hands? Why does it sound as if only China can solve it? If China indeed has what both sides seek, then China certainly has influence, but the facts are not like that."
On January 23, Deng Li (left middle) hosted the 2025 Spring Reception at the embassy. The official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in France
He analyzed that from China's perspective, the Ukraine-Russia conflict involves negotiations at three levels: Ukraine-Russia, Russia-Europe, and Russia-US, and in each of these levels, China is not a direct party involved.
Earlier this month, France's foreign affairs advisor Bonn visited China and again urged China to "stop direct or indirect support for Russia's military industry." For a long time, the US and Europe have accused Chinese companies of exporting drone parts and "dual-use" technology to Russia, which China has repeatedly denied.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to related issues by stating that China has always taken a cautious and responsible attitude towards arms exports, never providing lethal weapons to the parties involved in the conflict, and strictly controlling military and dual-use drones in accordance with laws and regulations. It hopes that relevant countries and individuals will not make baseless guesses and smear China without factual basis.
However, the West has not stopped smearing China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bensont claimed this month to have photos proving that there are Chinese components in Russian drones.
Regarding these accusations, Deng Li replied that such charges ignore China's leading position in the civilian drone industry, "more than 70% of drones and their components worldwide are made in China, making it unrealistic to talk about banning exports under these circumstances."
He emphasized that China strictly prohibits the export of military drones and implements controls over dual-use items. "However, civilian drones are everywhere, just like household appliances in China. Every travel vlogger on Douyin or Xiaohongshu has one. It is not a high-tech or complex device," Deng Li said. He stated that China will continue to convey its position to France and hopes that, over time, they can understand this.
"China is willing to work with France to address global challenges"
Additionally, Deng Li said that China will continue to convey an important message to France, that China will never seek global hegemony.
"When we say this, many people don't believe us. We have been trying to explain, but if they still cannot understand, let them observe and take it slowly, and see with their own eyes," Deng Li believed that the European-centered worldview and Western concepts drawn from international relations history are based on the idea that "a powerful country must dominate," which makes many Europeans find it difficult to understand the message China is conveying.
Deng Li pointed out that for centuries, whenever a country's economy became strong, they began to expand and wage war on neighboring countries, so they apply the same logic to China, believing that China's strength inevitably leads to hegemony. However, China has always been an inward-looking country with different historical and cultural backgrounds from the West. He gave an example, saying that China built the Great Wall for defense, not for invasion.
Deng Li emphasized that China's rise and pursuit of national rejuvenation aim to build a prosperous, strong, and culturally confident modernized country. Those who do not believe in China's goals can see with their own eyes whether China is taking a peaceful path or repeating the expansionist behavior of past Western powers.
"It is certain that China will not deal with trade deficits by selling opium to another country," Deng Li said. He was referring to the actions of Britain in the 19th century, because China refused to buy British dumped opium, Britain launched the Opium War against China, and after the defeat, China signed humiliating unequal treaties, ceding territory and paying indemnities, opening up the "century of humiliation" in China's history of being invaded and colonized by Western powers and Japan.
The South China Morning Post noted that in recent years, Sino-European relations have become tense due to trade deficits and alleged unfair trade practices. In July this year, China ruled that imports of certain brandy from the EU were dumped within a range of 27.7% to 34.9%, posing a threat of substantial damage to domestic industries.
On the other hand, the European Commission, despite significant divisions among member states and strong opposition from European figures, announced in October last year that it would impose a five-year anti-subsidy tax on electric vehicles imported from China.
Despite the continuous friction between China and the EU, Deng Li believes that Sino-French relations are still progressing. In his view, both sides should manage differences while expanding cooperation, strengthen communication on major international issues, enhance mutual trust, and jointly maintain global stability.
"We hope to achieve common development in the new round of technological revolution and also look forward to working together to address global challenges," Deng Li said.
According to the official website of the Chinese Embassy in France, on January 6, 2025, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, Deng Li and his wife Zhang Hua, arrived in Paris, France. Deng Li was born in May 1965 in Quanzhou, Fujian, and has long worked on China's diplomatic relations with the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. He has served as Deputy Director of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Chinese Embassy in the French Republic, Director of the Department of Middle East and North Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Turkey.
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