'China-France relations have stayed abreast of the times': 10 key quotes from Xi Jinping's article in 'Le Figaro'

Upon his arrival in France, a signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled Carrying Forward the Spirit that Guided the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Working Together for Global Peace and Development was published in the French newspaper Le Figaro on Sunday. Here are 10 key quotes from the article, the English translation of which is available on CGTN:

2. “France holds a special fascination for us Chinese. This country has produced a galaxy of philosophers, writers, and artists with global appeal who have inspired all humanity.”

3. “History is our best teacher. We live in a world that is far from being tranquil and is once again facing a multitude of risks.”

4. “China will work with France to carry forward the spirit that guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, build on past achievements and open new vistas for China-France relations.”

5. “Through 75 years of perseverant hard work, the Chinese people have turned China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world.”

6. “China will remain a source of global growth and create opportunities for all countries.”

7. “China has faithfully practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Over the past 70-plus years since its founding, New China never provoked a war or occupied an inch of foreign land.”

8. “I have proposed in recent years the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.”

9. “China understands the repercussions of the Ukraine crisis on the people of Europe. China did not start the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to or a participant in it.”

10. “The fundamental solution [to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict] lies in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.”

11. “Now we are standing at another historical starting point. Let us join hands together on this new journey toward greater progress in China-France relations to the benefit of our two countries and the world!”