On October 25, a collaborative report titled “France Blue Book: Development Report (2024)” was released by Beijing Foreign Studies University, the French Research Association of the China Europe Academic Network, and Social Science Academic Press. The report highlights the renewed vitality in economic and trade cooperation between China and France, signaling new opportunities for strategic collaboration.
According to the report, the ongoing Ukraine crisis and rising domestic and international challenges marked 2023. The French government is committed to implementing domestic reforms and actively pursuing its foreign strategy, striving to lead the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda in order to effectively protect its national interests. However, the report notes that issues such as sluggish economic growth, social fragmentation, and political polarization will not be resolved overnight, while the rise of protectionism and xenophobia poses inherent risks.
The report underscores the resurgence of Sino-French economic and trade cooperation, particularly in traditional sectors such as aerospace, high-speed rail, and nuclear energy. Beyond strengthening these traditional ties, both countries are actively exploring new points of growth. Notable developments include the close integration of economic cooperation with cultural exchanges, French companies showing a positive attitude towards engaging in China’s rural revitalization strategy, and robust cooperation in fields like the digital economy.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes that China and France are important collaborative partners across multiple domains, with their relationship extending beyond bilateral significance to a strategic leadership role. The alignment of the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative, supported by France, with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative presents vast opportunities for collaboration to promote economic recovery and sustainable development.
