Jean-Luc Mélenchon from France stated that France needs to "reach an agreement" with China.
"The later we establish relations with China, the more industries will be lost every day, and the less likely we will be able to negotiate agreements."
"China is both a stable pillar and a global leader in technology. We will need to reach an agreement with it. Spain and Canada have already done so."
The party led by Mélenchon, "France Insoumise," released a parliamentary report on Sino-European relations in 2025. The report delivered sharp criticism of the EU’s policy toward China, accusing it of being "too subservient to U.S. policy," and called for a more independent stance, advocating for closer cooperation with China—reflecting Mélenchon and his party's long-standing position.
In his speech, Mélenchon referred to recent agreements between Spain and Canada and China, as follows:
???????? Spain: In April 2026, China and Spain signed multiple cooperation agreements across fields including economic development, forestry, and biodiversity.
???????? Canada: In January 2026, China and Canada signed documents such as the "China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap" and a bilateral currency swap agreement; subsequently, Canada’s Minister of Trade visited China to discuss market access issues in specific sectors like electric vehicles.
Mélenchon’s call, in essence, leverages these examples of international cooperation to push France and the EU toward a more pragmatic approach toward China, reflecting the practical considerations within France and Europe regarding how to position their relationship with China amid today’s complex international landscape.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862786405656576/
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