Xi Jinping Publishes Article in Le Figaro Ahead of State Visit

On May 5, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) published a signed article titled “Carrying forward the spirit of Sino-French diplomatic relations, jointly promoting world peace and development”  (傳承中法建交精神 共促世界和平發展), in the French newspaper Le Figaro ahead of his state visit to France. The article highlighted the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and promoted expanded bilateral cooperation. Addressing Europe’s political situation and referencing the war in Ukraine, Xi claimed China has “never initiated a war” and is “the only country among nuclear powers to commit to no first use of nuclear weapons” — claims disputed by historians who cite conflicts including the 1962 Sino-Indian War and 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. On the issue of Ukraine directly, Xi wrote that China “has been playing a constructive role” while expressing understanding for European concerns. The article encouraged French investment in China, particularly in green industries, and called for deeper cooperation on global governance.