Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5-10, his first Europe trip in five years aimed at boosting EU ties as tensions mount with the world's second largest economy, Reuters reports.
Bilateral relations with France have maintained sound growth momentum, and both countries have had strategic communications and practical cooperation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in discussing Xi's visit to France.
"It is time to push the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France to a new level and give new impetus to the healthy development of China-EU relations, to make new contributions to world peace, stability, development and progress," Lin said at a regular press conference.
"China looks forward to working with France to further enhance political mutual trust, solidarity and cooperation."
