Wang Yi cautions Europe over 'de-risking' strategy
Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday said China would import even more high-quality products and services from France and believes the European country would provide a fair business environment for Chinese firms. At a joint press event with his French counterpart, Stephane Sejourne, Wang also said China hoped that de-risking was not targeted at specific countries and should not violate WTO rules. "De-coupling with China is the biggest risk," Wang said. Europe has been pursuing a de-risking strategy and reducing dependency on China to retain its industrial edge and competitiveness.  Meanwhile, Sejourne said France wanted "China to send very clear messages to Russia" over its war in Ukraine. "We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace if it is not negotiated with the Ukrainians," speaking alongside Wang. "There will be no security for Europeans if there is no peace in accordance with international law," the French Foreign Minister continued. And China, he said, could play a "key role" in ensuring respect for international law was maintained. Sejourne's visit is the second to China by a French foreign minister in less than six months, following a trip by his predecessor, Catherine Colonna, in November. (Reuters/AFP)