It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Greenpeace claims French resumption of nuclear trade with Russia Environmental campaign group Greenpeace hit out at the resumption of nuclear trade between France and Russia during its war with Ukraine after activists observed the loading of a tanker in northern France with reprocessed uranium bound for Russia.
Issued on: 18/11/2025 - RFI
This photograph taken on 20 March, 2023, shows cylinders of uranium from the Russian cargo ship the Baltiyskiy 202, unloaded at the port of Dunkirk, northern France.
AFP - SAMEER AL-DOUMY
Greenpeace published video that it said its activists shot on Saturday of around 10 containers with radioactive labels going onto a cargo ship in Dunkirk.
The Panamanian-registered ship, the Mikhail Dudin, is regularly used to carry enriched or natural uranium from France to St Petersburg, according to Greenpeace.
Saturday's consignment was the first of reprocessed uranium to be observed for three years, it added.
"The resumption of this trade once again shows France’s dependence on Russia," Pauline Boyer, the head of Greenpeace France's nuclear campaign, told RFI.
The images released by Greenpeace came two days ahead of a meeting in Paris between the French president, Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss Ukraine's air defence systems.
"Despite the French government’s commitments to support Ukraine — which is, fortunately, the case — on the other hand, there is ongoing collaboration with Rosatom, the Russian nuclear company, which is indirectly contributing to the financing of the war."
Rosatom has occupied the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for more than three and a half years.
"It has made itself complicit in crimes committed with the Russian army against the nuclear plant’s employees," Boyer added.
"It is outrageous that French nuclear companies — EDF, Orano, Framatome — continue to collaborate with Rosatom."
French state-controlled energy giant Electricité de France (EDF) signed a 600-million-euro deal in 2018 with a Rosatom subsidiary, Tenex, for the recycling of reprocessed uranium.
These operations have not been affected by international sanctions over the Ukraine war.
Rosatom has the only facility in the world - at Seversk in Siberia - capable of carrying out key parts of the conversion of reprocessed uranium to enriched reprocessed uranium.
Uranium can be reprocessed so it can be reenriched and reused. With uranium prices rising again on international markets, it is increasingly worthwhile for power companies to seek reprocessing of spent fuel.
Only about 10 percent of the reenriched uranium sent back to France by Russia is used at its Cruas nuclear power plant, in southern France, the only one in the country that can use enriched reprocessed uranium, according to Greenpeace.
France's energy ministry and EDF have yet to respond publicly to questions on the consignment or trade.
Top politicians in France ordered EDF chiefs to halt uranium trade with Rosatom in 2022 when Greenpeace France revealed the contracts in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
France said in March 2024 that it was considering the possibility of building its own conversion facility to produce enriched reprocessed uranium.
Greenpeace France Photographs Uranium Loaded on Ship for Export to Russia
Containers were loaded on the cargo ship in the port of Dunkirk, France (Greenpeace France)
Greenpeace is calling for an end to the uranium trade between France and Russia after reporting that it has resumed after a nearly three-year hiatus. The group released pictures of containers with spent uranium being loaded onto a cargo ship in the port of Dunkirk and bound for Russia.
At least 10 containers of uranium, clearly marked with dangerous cargo symbols, were observed arriving in the port of Dunkirk, France, on Saturday, November 15, and being loaded aboard the cargo ship Mikhail Dudin (3,030 dwt). Built in 1996, the general cargo ship is owned by a company based in Hong Kong and operates under the Panama flag. The vessel departed France midday on Saturday and reports its destination as Ust-Luga, Russia, a run that Greenpeace says it regularly makes carrying enriched or natural uranium.
France, according to Greenpeace, is dependent on Russia to take its uranium that was spent and reprocessed, as Russia has the only plant in the world that carries out the operation of converting the reprocessed uranium. It undergoes conversion and re-enrichment, with 10 percent sent back to France according to Greenpeace. They report that France’s EDF plans to use reprocessed uranium at its 1300 MWe reactors. Between 1994 and 2013, they report 600 tonnes were used in the four reactors of Cruas-Meysse.
Greenpeace says it protested the shipments in 2022, leading the French government in September 2022 to halt the trade. It had only been resumed in 2021 after previously being halted in 2010. Orano, which supports the nuclear industry, EDF, and Rosatom, are reported to participate in the trade, which sees reprocessed material sent to Russia and a portion returned for re-use in France.
“Emmanuel Macron repeatedly states the need to develop our economic, technological, industrial, and financial independence, particularly from Russia, which he describes as a threat to France and Europe,” said Pauline Boyer, nuclear campaign manager for Greenpeace France. The group points out, however, that the resumption of URT shipments to Russia represents a “disconnect between the French President’s words and actions.”
They are calling for France to report the quantity of reprocessed uranium exported to Russia since 2022, as well as intervening to stop the exports. They are demanding a termination of all import and export contracts.
Greenpeace believe that France has quietly continued the trade because it has massive stockpiles, approximately 35,000 tonnes of reprocessed uranium in warehouses. They believe the underlying objective is to dispose of cumbersome stockpiles of radioactive waste, noting that 90 percent becomes stored waste.
Greenpeace believes that among the future sanctions being discussed for Russia’s energy trade would include blocks on Rosatom’s nuclear trade. It says they are being considered in addition to the continuing blocks on Russian gas and oil. However, they want France to move more aggressively to end the trade immediately.
Friday, March 07, 2025
As faith in the US wavers, can France’s nuclear umbrella deter Russia?
A pillar of French sovereignty and source of national pride, France’s nuclear deterrent has long served as a symbol of the country’s independence from Washington. But as Europe’s faith in American protection wavers, does France’s nuclear umbrella offer a realistic alternative?
French President Emmanuel Macron has offered to hold talks on extending the protection offered by France’s nuclear arsenal to its European partners, amid fears of an American disengagement from Europe.
While the US has made no mention of plans to withdraw the nuclear umbrella that has protected the continent since the Cold War, its dramatically shifting stance on Ukraine, Russia and NATO has sparked alarm across Europe about the strength of America’s decades-long commitment to European security.
In a measure of the mounting anxiety, the leaders of Poland, Latvia and Lithuania – countries closely aligned with Washington – all welcomed Macron’s offer on Thursday as they gathered in Brussels for an emergency summit on European security.
That offer has, in fact, been on the table for years. The difference is that France’s European partners are now taking an interest, eager for security alternatives should US President Donald Trump leave them to dry – at the mercy of Russia.
Addressing the French public on the eve of the summit, Macron described Russia as a “threat to France and Europe” and said he had decided “to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent by our (nuclear) deterrent”. He added: “Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow.”
Distrust of America
The French nuclear deterrent is rooted in a lingering distrust of its American ally that dates back to the 1956 Suez Crisis, when Washington forced France and Britain to abandon efforts to recapture the strategic Suez Canal in a humiliating setback for Europe’s declining colonial powers.
Seen as an American “betrayal”, Suez convinced the French to develop their own nuclear deterrent in order to protect the nation’s “vital interests”.
A decade later, distrust of America and a desire to pursue strategic autonomy underpinned President Charles de Gaulle’s decision to withdraw France from NATO’s integrated command, resulting in the removal of US military assets from French soil.
Over the years, successive French leaders have urged European allies to reduce their reliance on the US – none more so than Macron, who has repeatedly called on Europe to guarantee its own security.
As Washington turns its back on Ukraine, warms to an aggressive Russia and cuts Europe out of peace talks, French officials are now feeling vindicated. One analyst described the continent’s current predicament as “Macron’s told-you-so moment”.
France is one of two nuclear powers in Europe, along with Britain, which is no longer part of the European Union and relies on US input to maintain its nuclear arsenal.
French nuclear deterrence is strictly conceived as defensive, designed to protect the country’s “vital interests”. The deliberately vague nature of these interests has traditionally given France greater leeway compared to Britain, whose nuclear capabilities are explicitly assigned to the defence of NATO.
Since a 2020 keynote speech, Macron has said that France's “vital interests” have a “European dimension” – comments that he reiterated in recent days. His predecessors have made similar statements in the past, with former president François Mitterrand once touting the need for a “European doctrine” on nuclear deterrence.
“Maintaining a certain vagueness about France’s vital interests is at the heart of the ‘strategic ambiguity’ that underpins nuclear deterrence,” said Alain De Neve, a researcher at the Royal Higher Institute for Defence in Brussels.
The idea, he added, “is to keep opponents in the dark about the scope of France's nuclear umbrella”.
Keep adversaries guessing
Nuclear deterrence involves maintaining ambiguity about which circumstances would lead to the use of nuclear weapons, in order to prevent a potential aggressor from calculating risks.
In this case, it means striking a balance between giving substance to French claims of a vested interest in Europe’s defence and avoiding detail about how far Paris would go to defend the continent.
France “likes to remind people of its capabilities in order to be credible in its deterrence”, said Emmanuelle Maitre, a senior research fellow at France's Foundation for Strategic Research.
“But there’s also an element of ambiguity, because it’s not a question of telling our adversary exactly what our red lines are,” she added. “No nuclear power does this.”
Engaging in a constructive and permanent dialogue with its European partners would be an important first step towards extending France’s nuclear umbrella, argued De Neve.
“The mere fact that a permanent dialogue has been established could already leave Russia wondering whether an attack on, say, a Baltic state might lead to a nuclear escalation,” he explained.
Credibility gap
Responding to Macron’s televised address on Thursday, Russian officials lambasted the French leader’s “confrontational speech”, noting that his tough rhetoric was not backed up by military power.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Macron of “threatening” Russia and warned him against dragging the continent into a wider conflict. The ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested the French president might want help measuring his country’s true military size.
The US and Russia possess approximately 88 percent of the world’s total inventory of nuclear weapons, according to the Federation of American Scientists. They are followed at a distance by China, with France in fourth position and Britain in fifth.
“Without US support, the balance of power appears largely unfavourable to France, which has a total of 290 nuclear warheads compared to at least 1,600 deployed warheads and nearly 2,800 stockpiled warheads on the Russian side,” noted Benoît Grémare, a defence analyst at the Université Jean Moulin in Lyon, writing on The Conversation.
“Moving toward a Europeanisation of nuclear force means increasing deterrent capabilities and, therefore, expanding the French arsenal so it can respond to threats affecting all 27 EU member states,” Grémare added.
America’s vastly superior firepower, and the greater diversity of its arsenal, explain why European countries have so far relied on Washington for their protection rather than Paris or London.
In contrast, the discrepancy with Russia’s nuclear arsenal points to a credibility gap for France’s deterrent.
As a lawmaker from the hard-left France Unbowed party argued during a heated debate in parliament this week, if France doesn’t trust mighty Americal to defend it, why should its European partners trust Paris to risk a nuclear war for their sake?
‘French through and through’
Any French commitment to Europe’s defence would also be vulnerable to the type of radical policy U-turn that the Trump administration has ushered in.
France’s European partners are keenly aware that Macron’s pro-Europe camp leads a minority government, and that two-time presidential runner-up Marine Le Pen is fiercely opposed to any sharing of the country’s nuclear deterrence.
Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party, which has long harboured Russian sympathies, supports France's rearmament but to defend French borders only. Her nationalist camp has described talk of extending France’s nuclear umbrella as a betrayal of its strategic independence.
“Sharing (nuclear) deterrence is equivalent to abolishing it,” Le Pen told French lawmakers on Monday. She argued that “unleashing the nuclear fire cannot be separated from national and popular legitimacy”, which is vested solely in the French president, elected by universal suffrage.
01:24
French government debates extending France's 'nuclear umbrella' to all Europe
In his address on Wednesday, Macron reiterated that France’s nuclear deterrent would remain a prerogative of French presidents, describing it as “complete, sovereign, French through and through”.
“The use and production of nuclear weapons is French and will stay French,” added his Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, even as he repeated calls for a strategic debate with the rest of Europe.
“While the hand on the button remains that of the head of state, the way in which we contribute to the continent’s global security architecture remains an important debate,” Lecornu said. All European capitals “are going to ask us the question, so we want to be ready to answer”, he added.
Giving ‘concrete form’ to European deterrence
De Neve said European countries would need to “come out into the open” about what they expect from France’s nuclear umbrella – and in what capacity they might contribute.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Brussels, Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Europe should not give up on US involvement in nuclear deterrence but rather complement it with European resources. His likely successor Friedrich Merz has already called for a discussion on “nuclear sharing” with France and Britain, saying he feared NATO may not survive “in its current form” beyond June.
The issue of whether EU partners could contribute to the cost of maintaining or upgrading the French deterrence is likely to be on the table.
43:09
Any upgrade of France's nuclear arsenal would be extremely costly and require significant logistical and operational changes at a time when governments are already stretched financially. Analysts have warned it could take France up to a decade to increase its arsenal by only 100 warheads.
The point is not to match the American or Russian arsenals, but rather to ensure France maintains its ability to inflict “unacceptable” damage on any foe, cautioned Maitre.
“Although France has a limited arsenal, it is considered sufficient to cause unacceptable damage to its adversary,” she explained. “It was designed to be able to retaliate under any circumstances with weapons considered indestructible. That’s why there is always at least one (nuclear-armed) submarine on patrol, whose location is kept secret.”
In the short term, a change in France’s nuclear doctrine, which prohibits the stationing of atomic weapons outside France, could give an extended French nuclear umbrella greater credibility. Allies could be integrated into French nuclear exercises and training through the provision of air escorts and by the development of supply and logistical support, aiming to create a degree of interoperability.
France possesses Rafale warplanes capable of carrying nuclear missiles. Their deployment across Europe “would give concrete form to European strategic autonomy”, adds Grémare, sending a signal of “European solidarity that would make Moscow’s calculations more difficult”.
Monday, June 30, 2025
FRANCE 24 news coverage disrupted as staff strike against public media merger FRANCE 24’s broadcasts and digital platforms were disrupted on Monday by a strike called by unions at France Médias Monde, the parent company of FRANCE 24, Radio France Internationale and Arabic-language radio station Monte Carlo Doualiya.
A fierce debate is raging in France over reforming public media, and staff at FRANCE 24 parent company France Médias Monde as well as France Télévisions and Radio France are striking on Monday against a proposed merger of France’s public broadcasting sector championed by Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
FRANCE 24 internet and TV journalists have joined the strike, which will cause a temporary disruption in news coverage on Monday and Tuesday.
A new proposed holding company would unite France Médias Monde (FMM) with France Télévisions, Radio France and the National Audiovisual Institute (INA) under the direction of a single chief executive officer.
The government decided, however, that France Médias Monde, the international arm of the French public broadcasting system that includes FRANCE 24 and RFI, would be excluded from the scope of the holding company when the proposed reform was considered by lawmakers in June.
But unions say the government has “clearly” left the door open to the eventual integration of FMM into the holding company by 2028.
The merger is strongly opposed by public broadcasting unions.
Radio France launched an indefinite strike action on Thursday, calling the proposed holding "extremely dangerous" both for employees and for the independence of news coverage.
"Public broadcasting is a common asset whose strengths must be unified. Today, these forces are scattered," Dati told France’s private Sud Radio on Thursday, calling for "a coherent and coordinated strategy".
Prime Minister François Bayrou also threw his support behind the reform in comments to Radio Télévision Luxembourg on Sunday.
If the motion is defeated, Dati will face a full-fledged parliamentary battle led by Socialist MP Emmanuel Grégoire, who has tabled over 250 of the 935 amendments to the reform bill.
Due to the large number of amendments, it seems unlikely that the debate will proceed to a vote on either Monday or Tuesday.
France on Friday recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in a ferocious row over the scrapping of a submarine contract, an unprecedented step that revealed the extent of French anger against its allies.
President Emmanuel Macron made the exceptional decision due to the “gravity of the announcements on September 15 by Australia and the United States”, said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in a statement.
The announcement represented “unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners”, said the statement.
Australia in 2016 had chosen France's Naval Group, partly owned by the state, to build 12 conventionally powered submarines, based on France's Barracuda nuclear-powered subs in development.
The contract was worth around 50 billion Australian dollars (€31 billion, $36.5 billion) when announced in 2016.
But on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden, along with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announced a new US security alliance between their countries that would develop an Australian nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
The Australia-UK-US alliance – dubbed AUKUS – has been strongly condemned by France, with Le Drian calling it “a stab in the back”. US describes France as 'vital ally'
The United States on Friday reiterated that France was a 'vital ally'.
"France is a vital partner and our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement, adding that Washington was hoping to continue the discussion on the issue at the senior level in the coming days, including during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next week.
Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby meanwhile acknowledged that telephone talks earlier between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and French counterpart Florence Parly showed "that there is still much work to do in terms of our defence relationship with France."
France 24's Kethevane Gorjestani reports on the US response to France's decision to withdraw its ambassador 02:15
Australia said it regrets France's decision to recall its ambassador to Canberra but it values its relationship with France and will keep engaging with Paris on many other issues.
"We note with regret France's decision to recall its Ambassador to Australia," a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Australia values its relationship with France ... We look forward to engaging with France again on our many issues of shared interest, based on shared values."
China calls alliance 'extremely irresponsible'
Beijing described the new alliance as an "extremely irresponsible" threat to regional stability, questioning Australia's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and warning the Western allies that they risked "shooting themselves in the foot".
China has its own "very substantive programme of nuclear submarine building", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison argued Friday in an interview with radio station 2GB.
China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in shipping trade passes annually, rejecting competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.Beijing has been accused of deploying a range of military hardware including anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missiles there, and ignored a 2016 international tribunal decision that declared its historical claim over most of the waters to be without basis. 'Directly affecting the vision'
The French ambassador recalls from the United States and Australia -- key allies of France -- are unprecedented. Withdrawing envoys is a last resort diplomatic step taken when relations between feuding countries are plunged into crisis but highly unusual between allies.
"I am being recalled to Paris for consultations," France ambassador to the US Philippe Etienne wrote on Twitter. "This follows announcements directly affecting the vision we have of our alliances, of our partnerships and of the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe."
Paris sees itself as a major power in the Indo-Pacific due to overseas territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia which give it a strategic and military foothold unmatched by any other European country.
The row has for now at least put on hold hopes of a post-Trump renaissance in Paris-Washington relations under Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a fluent French speaker who was educated in Paris.
France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune also said Friday that Paris was unable to trust Canberra in ongoing European Union trade deal talks following the decision.
France's Europe Minister Clément Beaune calls the AUKUS submarine deal a 'breach of trust' 00:34
France meanwhile called off a gala at its ambassador's house in Washington scheduled for Friday.
The event was supposed to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive naval battle in the American Revolution, in which France played a key role. AUKUS overshadows Europe’s Indo-Pacific plan
France had pushed for several years for a European strategy for boosting economic, political and defense ties in the region stretching from India and China to Japan and New Zealand.
The EU on Thursday unveiled its plan for the Indo-Pacific. But the AUKUS headlines overshadowed the EU’s own Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at "exploring ways to ensure enhanced naval deployments by EU Member States to help protect the sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation", according to a statement.
A French diplomat told AFP on Friday that Macron received a letter from Australian PM Morrison on Wednesday morning announcing the decision to cancel the submarine deal.
French officials then decided to reach out to the Biden administration "to ask what was going on", the source said. He added that discussions with Washington took place just two to three hours before Biden's public announcement.
Paris had raised the issue of the Indo-Pacific strategy during the June 25 visit to Paris of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressing the importance of its submarine program with Australia, the diplomat said.
“We said that is was for us a very important and critical component in our Indo-Pacific strategy,” he said. Blinken met with Macron during the visit.
The French diplomat said Australia never gave any indication to France before of its intention to scrap the submarine deal, including during a meeting between Macron and Morrison in Paris on June 15.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
AUKUS alliance: Blinken seeks to calm French fury amid diplomatic row
Issued on: 17/09/2021 -
Video by:
Marc Perelman
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called France a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific, comments that appeared aimed at calming French anger after the United States, Australia and the UK clinched a deal to supply Australia with submarines. The three countries said on Wednesday they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that would help Australia acquire US nuclear-powered submarines and see it scrap a $40 billion French-designed submarine deal. France reacted angrily to the loss of the deal, calling it a "stab in the back." FRANCE 24's French Politics Editor Marc Perelman explains.
What does the new AUKUS alliance mean for Japan, South Korea?
Issued on: 17/09/2021
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States is forming a new Indo-Pacific security alliance with Britain and Australia that will allow for greater sharing of defense capabilities — including helping equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. Northest Asia Editor for Asia Times, Andrew Salmon, explains what this new alliance means for Japan and South Korea.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Macron defies Israeli and US opposition to French plan to recognize Palestine at the United Nations
Issued on: 25/07/2025 -
France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday in hopes of bringing peace to the region, but the plan drew angry rebukes from Israel and the United States. France24 International Affairs Editor Kethevane Gorjestani explains.
Why is France recognising Palestinian statehood and will it change anything?
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will officially recognise Palestinian statehood before the UN General Assembly in September. While the move has been denounced by Israel and the US and welcomed by Palestinians and Arab countries, the reaction in France has been mixed.
Issued on: 25/07/2025 - RFI
The Palestinian flag is raised for the first time above a UN agency, at Unesco headquarters in Paris, on 13 December 2011. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
In a letter sent to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday, Macron confirmed France's intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same.
To date, about 144 of the 193 UN member states have recognised a Palestinian state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India. Only a handful of the 27 EU countries do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus.
If Macron keeps his promise, France – a permanent member of the UN Security Council – will become the largest Western power and the first G7 country to recognise Palestinian statehood.
The decision is mostly symbolic, with Israel occupying the territories where the Palestinians have long sought to establish such a state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
But it makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza, where Israel has been fighting Hamas militants since the 7 October 2023 terror attack. Why now?
Macron's announcement on Thursday has been fuelled by the rising global outcry over starvation and devastation in Gaza.
According to the World Health Organization and a number of international aid organisations, Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery have led to mass starvation in the enclave, though Israel blames Hamas for the suffering.
Macron had been leaning towards recognising Palestine for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution – traditionally defended by France – alive. But he has speeded up the timetable.
"Emmanuel Macron has realised that, in reality, he cannot, unfortunately, expect French diplomacy to have a knock-on effect," says Middle East specialist Frédéric Encel. "A few months ago, he had hoped that Saudi Arabia, or at least one Arab state, would recognise Israel as a price for France's recognition of Palestine. That's obviously not the case," he told RFI.
Faced with Washington's huge influence in the region and France's diminishing influence there, Macron "decided to take the bull by the horns closer to the date of the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly at the beginning of September".
As co-host alongside Saudi Arabia of next week's UN conference in New York aimed at promoting the two-state solution, France was also under pressure to clarify its stance.
"It’s difficult for France to chair a coalition in favour of a two-state solution if France itself does not recognise one of the two states," says Hasni Abidi, director of the Geneva-based Centre for Studies and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World (CERMAM).
Palestinians react as they ask for food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City, 14 on July 2025. REUTERS - Mahmoud Issa
Palestinian authorities in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank have largely welcomed France’s decision.
"At last, France is aligning itself with international law – a system that was invented and built in Europe," says Anwar Abu Eisheh, the PA's former culture minister.
"France, like Germany and the United Kingdom, is a major global player with considerable influence," Eisheh told RFI. "And France is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council – that carries weight. This could help accelerate a genuine state-building process."
Given that Palestinians have lost faith in the West, after lots of talk about values and human rights but little evidence on the ground, "this could at least help limit the damage", he argues.
"More than 148 states have recognised a Palestinian state," Abidi notes. "France can only be part of this march of history. What is happening today in Gaza is the result of international resignation and the lack of interest in the Palestinian question and the Palestinian state. And that, in my opinion, is an important factor that led President Macron to anticipate this decision."
Jean-Paul Chagnollaud, a Middle East expert and co-author of the Atlas du Moyen-Orient, agrees. "It's a crucial move. It reasserts the principles of international law and the UN Security Council resolutions calling for a two-state solution. France's recognition of Palestine is a step in that direction." Going it alone
Encel, however, plays down the importance of Macron’s contribution.
"It won't be a decisive contribution. Firstly, because it will change absolutely nothing on the ground. Secondly, because without the knock-on effect France will lose credibility."
Macron's announcement has indeed opened the door for other major G7 nations such as Britain, Germany and Canada to possibly jump on board.
Chagnollaud says that the announcement was initially scheduled to coincide with a conference in New York in June, which was postponed due to hostilities between Israel and Iran. "At that time, French diplomacy was actively seeking support from other players – Canada and the UK in particular. It was clear that France hoped to bring others on board, not just within Europe, but globally."
In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium have indicated they could be the next EU countries to recognise a Palestinian state but whether bigger international players will follow is far from sure.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday that his government would recognise a Palestinian state only as part of a negotiated peace deal, disappointing many in his Labour Party who want him to follow France.
After discussing with Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ways to pressure Israel to end its war in Gaza, Starmer said he was focused on the "practical solutions" that he thought would make a real difference to ending the war.
Earlier on Friday, a German government spokesperson said it was not planning to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term and that its priority was to make "long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution.
Chagnollaud says Germany "remains paralysed by the historical weight of its responsibility for the Holocaust.
And without Germany, Encel insists EU pressure on Israel will be minimal.
"As long as Germany, which is Israel's economic heavyweight and main economic partner within the European Union, does not take this kind of step, the Israeli government will not take the French position into account."
"Despite the announcement, many Palestinians criticise France for remaining close to Israel, so I wouldn’t call it a breath of fresh air," Encel says. "As for the Israeli government, it will make little difference – they’re a far-right coalition that couldn’t care less what France or most European states do."
Israel has reacted angrily, accusing France of "rewarding terrorism" in reference to Hamas.
In a statement, Hamas welcomed Macron's decision as a "positive step" towards justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Israel argues French recognition of Palestine will encourage Hamas to hold a harder line in ceasefire negotiations but France insists the announcement – which also called for Hamas to be demilitarised – was not about rewarding Hamas but rather "proving it wrong".
"Hamas has always rejected the two-state solution. By recognising Palestine, France is proving this terrorist movement wrong. It is proving the peace camp right against the war camp," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X.
France is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations so any decisions relating to Israel and the Palestinians can have an impact on the domestic front.
Announcing his decision, Macron said "the French people want peace in the Middle East".
However, a poll last month found that only 22 per cent were in favour of immediate and unconditional recognition while 47 per cent would accept recognition once Hamas had laid down its arms and released all the Israeli hostages.
Opinion among France's political class is also divided. Jean-Luc Mélénchon, figurehead of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, which has long defended Palestinian rights, described Macron's decision as a "moral victory". Socialist MP Arthur Delaporte said that faced with famine and ongoing massacres "the priority is to stop the violence," adding that recognition of Palestine, while not enough, is a step in the right direction.
The conservative Republicans party (LR) said that while it had "always been favourable" to recognising a Palestinian state, the conditions were not met.
"At present it would give victory to Hamas – a terrorist organisation – while the [Israeli] hostages have still not been freed", it wrote in a statement.
The far-right National Rally (RN) party, closely aligned to Israel's right-wing Likud, said Macron's decision was "precipitated". RN lawmaker Julien Odoul went further saying it legitimised Hamas.
"Be as violent as possible and you'll be handed a state on a silver platter. The signal this sends to the world, especially from France, is appalling."
Macron's supporters within the government back the move as both a principled and strategic step.
Full text of Xi Jinping's signed article on French media
06-May-2024
CGTN
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 Sunday on French newspaper Le Figaro upon his arrival in Paris for a state visit to France.
Here is the full text of his article.
Carrying Forward the Spirit that Guided the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Working Together for Global Peace and Development
Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
I am delighted to pay my third state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
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. Over 150 years ago, French nationals helped China found its Fujian Navy Yard and the Fujian Naval Academy. France was also the first country to welcome government-sponsored students from China. A century ago, a number of young Chinese traveled to France for further education. Some of these young patriots went on to make remarkable contribution to the founding and development of New China. France was also the first major western country to enter into formal diplomatic ties with New China.
The year 2024 is of special significance. I will visit France bringing with me three messages from China.
—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.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France relations. Six decades ago, General Charles de Gaulle, with a strategic vision based on the trend of the time, resolved to establish diplomatic relations with New China. It wasn't easy to make this independent decision at the height of the Cold War, but it has proven to be right and foresighted. With the establishment of China-France relations, a bridge of communication between the East and West was built, and the international relations were able to evolve in the direction of dialogue and cooperation.
In these six decades, China-France relations have stayed abreast of the times. Our two countries took the lead in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and launching institutional strategic dialogue in China's relations with Western countries. We spearheaded cooperation in aviation and nuclear energy and on third-party markets. We were among the first to mutually open cultural centers and start cultural year activities, providing guidance for mutual learning between civilizations. China-France cooperation contributed to the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, boosting strongly the implementation of the global climate agenda.
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. China is ready to work with France in the spirit that guided the establishment of our diplomatic ties to forge a stronger comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and make new contributions to stronger cooperation of the global community.
—China will open even wider to the world and deepen cooperation with France and other countries.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. 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. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity. The Chinese economy registered 5.2 percent growth in 2023, and is expected to grow by around 5 percent in 2024 with greater progress toward high-quality development. China will remain a source of global growth and create opportunities for all countries.
One thing that has made China's development possible is our firm commitment to opening up. We welcome more quality French farm products and cosmetics to the Chinese market to meet the ever-growing needs of the Chinese people for a better life. We welcome investment by companies from France and other countries to China. To this end, we have fully opened up China's manufacturing sector, and will move faster to expand market access to telecom, medical and other services. We also have a 15-day visa-exemption policy for visitors from many countries including France, and we have taken further measures to facilitate travel and payment by foreigners in China.
While opening up itself, China also encourages Chinese companies to go global. France is advancing re-industrialization based on green innovation, whereas China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. Our two countries can deepen cooperation on innovation and jointly promote green development. Some Chinese companies have set up battery plants in France. The Chinese government supports more Chinese companies in investing in France. And we hope that France will ensure that they operate in a fair and equitable business environment.
—China will strengthen communication and coordination with France to uphold world peace and stability.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Seven decades ago, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai put forth in full the five principles for the first time —"mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence." Through 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have been widely accepted and recognized by countries across the world. They have become an important norm governing contemporary international relations.
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. China is the only country around the world that includes in its Constitution the commitment to the path of peaceful development, and China is the only country among the major nuclear-weapon states that is committed to no-first-use of nuclear weapons.
I have proposed in recent years the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. As part of China's efforts to help improve global governance and resolve tough question regarding human development, the three initiatives have won the support of more than 100 countries and international organizations.
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. Nonetheless, China has been playing a constructive role in striving for peaceful settlement of the crisis. I have made many appeals, among others, observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of all sides. I have stressed that nuclear weapons must not be used, and a nuclear war must not be fought. China has delivered to Ukraine many shipments of humanitarian aids, and sent its special representative many times to mediate among the countries concerned. The longer the Ukraine crisis drags on, the greater harm it will do to Europe and the world. China hopes that peace and stability will return to Europe at an early date. We stand ready to work with France and the whole international community to find a reasonable way out of the crisis.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict pulls on our heartstrings as well. The fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. History has repeatedly shown that the recurrent Palestine-Israel problem is rooted essentially in the failure of actual enforcement of relevant UN resolutions, in the continued erosion of the foundation for the two-state solution, and the deviation of the Middle East peace process. China and France have many in common on the Palestine-Israel issue. It is thus critical that we strengthen cooperation and help restore peace in the Middle East.
Confucius observed that "a man of true moral integrity is one who is both friendly but independent, and who does not compromise his principles, and who is independent without any bias or taking sides. How unflinchingly firm he is in his strength!" French writer Romain Rolland said that "it is so much easier to allow oneself to be guided than it is to think for oneself. This abdication is the kernel of the mischief." Both China and France value independence as two major countries. Our interactions in the long course of history have released tremendous energy swaying the trajectory of the world. 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!
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Elevation of France as Major Arms Exporter in the World Causes and Implications
The global arms trade has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate, with its impacts reverberating across geopolitical landscapes.
The global arms trade has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate, with its impacts reverberating across geopolitical landscapes. In recent years, significant shifts have occurred within this sphere, notably with France’s ascension as a major arms exporter on the world stage. This transformation raises pertinent questions regarding the underlying causes driving France’s newfound position and the implications it carries for international security dynamics. Examining the factors behind France’s rise in arms exports and the potential ramifications of this development is crucial for understanding contemporary geopolitical trends.
Between the periods of 2014–18 and 2019–23, arms exports from the United States, the leading arms provider globally, experienced a notable increase of 17 percent. Conversely, during the same timeframe, arms exports from Russia saw a substantial decline, plummeting by over half at 53 percent. Meanwhile, France’s arms exports witnessed a significant surge, growing by 47 percent, consequently propelling it ahead of Russia to claim the position of the world’s second-largest arms supplier.
In the period of 2019–23, as mentioned earlier France surpassed Russia to claim the position of the world’s second-largest exporter of major arms. French arms exports constituted 11 percent of all arms transfers during this timeframe, marking a notable increase of 47 percent compared to the period of 2014–18. In 2019–23, France supplied major arms to 64 countries, with India emerging as the largest recipient, accounting for 29 percent of French arms exports. The majority of France’s arms exports during this period were directed towards countries in Asia and Oceania (42 percent) and the Middle East (34 percent). Despite ongoing efforts to expand arms sales to other European nations, France’s exports to European states accounted for only 9.1 percent of its total arms exports in 2019–23. Notably, over half of its European arms exports (53 percent) were directed to Greece, primarily comprising transfers of 17 Rafale combat aircraft.
The Surge in France’s Arms Exports: Why?
France’s proactive export policies, including government support, technological advancements, and strategic targeting of regions like the Middle East, fueled a rise in arms exports during the period. This positioned them to capitalize on Russia’s decline as a major exporter following the Ukraine war, allowing France to secure the number two spot with advanced weaponry like the Rafale fighter jet.
It’s noteworthy that India stands as the largest arms importer globally, with France and Russia supplying 33 percent and 36 percent of its imports, respectively. In July 2023, New Delhi granted preliminary approval for the acquisition of six Scorpène submarines and 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy. Shortly thereafter, on July 25, reports from France’s La Tribune newspaper indicated Qatar’s contemplation of adding an additional 24 Rafales to its arsenal. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report released in March 2023, France’s share of the global arms trade surged to 11 percent between 2018 and 2022, compared to 7.1 percent in the preceding four-year period. Conversely, Russia’s share of the international arms trade dwindled from 22 to 16 percent during the same period. So, this can be one of the indicators.
Figure 1: The 25 largest exporters of major arms and their main recipients, 2019–23
The imposition of multiple rounds of international sanctions on Russia may have hindered its ability to access the necessary materials for arms production, thereby hampering its export capabilities. Reports from Ukraine have cast doubt on the efficacy of Russia-built armaments, tarnishing their reputation on the global stage. Some importers have expressed dissatisfaction with Russian products in recent years. India, a longstanding importer of Russian arms suppliers, has raised concerns about the technical performance of Russian weaponry. As noted by Pieter Wezeman, the author of the SIPRI report 2023, India’s discontent has prompted a shift towards sourcing arms from France.
Furthermore, the United States wields significant influence over countries procuring weapons from Russia, a trend that predates the Ukraine conflict, according to Wezeman. For instance, Indonesia opted to abandon a planned purchase of Russian aircraft in 2021 in favor of options from the US and France.
A significant surge in the delivery of Rafale combat aircraft played a pivotal role in driving the growth of French arms exports during the period of 2019–23. In the preceding period of 2014–18, France exported 23 Rafales, a number that skyrocketed to 94 in the subsequent period of 2019–23. Remarkably, these exports accounted for nearly one third (31 percent) of French arms exports during this timeframe. Furthermore, the pipeline for Rafale exports remained robust, with an additional 193 Rafales on order for export by the end of 2023. However, it is noteworthy that the majority of the Rafale aircraft already delivered (96 out of 117) and those on order (178 out of 193) are destined for states outside Europe, including Egypt, India, Indonesia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This underscores the persistent challenge France encounters in selling its major arms to European states, particularly amidst fierce competition from the United States. Notably, out of the 10 European states that preselected or ordered combat aircraft in the period of 2019–23, eight opted for US F-16s or F-35s, with only Croatia and Greece opting for the Rafale.
In addition to bolstering its sales of combat aircraft, France also witnessed a 14 percent increase in exports of military ships, along with the weaponry required to equip them, between the periods of 2014–18 and 2019–23.
Figure 2: Global share of exports of major arms by the 10 largest exporters, 2019–23
Therefore the Rafale fighter jet, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, has emerged as a cornerstone of France’s recent achievements in the realm of defense exports, according to Olivier Gras, the general secretary of EuroDéfense-France, an association based in Paris comprising civil and military officials. Despite entering service as early as 2002, it wasn’t until 2015 that the Rafale made its inaugural foray into the international market. Since then, these twin-engine jets have found homes in Greece, Qatar, India, and Egypt, with impending deployments to Croatia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, which placed an order for 80 Standard F4 Rafales in 2021. The global tally of Rafale deliveries and orders now stands at nearly 500, representing approximately half the volume of its primary American counterpart, Lockheed Martin’s F-35. Moreover, potential orders from additional countries are on the horizon, with Colombia nearing a deal for 16 aircraft while Serbia, historically aligned with Russia’s arms industry, contemplates acquiring 12 planes.
Global military expenditure experienced a significant increase of 9 percent from the previous year, reaching a historic high of $2.2 trillion in 2023. This surge was attributed to heightened insecurity worldwide, fueled by numerous conflicts, as indicated by a recent report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Meanwhile, NATO’s budget hike can influence other actors in two ways. First, it sets a precedent. By collectively investing more, NATO strengthens the message of shared security concerns. This can pressure members who haven’t met spending targets to step up. Second, a larger NATO budget allows for more joint exercises and capabilities, potentially making individual militaries seem less essential. This might nudge some countries towards increasing their own budgets to maintain their national defense posture. And here France was an option to spend on.
Figure 3: Changes in volume of exports of major arms since 2014–18 by the 10 largest exporters in 2019–23
Who are the Importers?
In the period spanning 2019–23, the primary suppliers of major arms to Africa included Russia, constituting 24 percent of African imports, followed by the USA at 16 percent, China at 13 percent, and France at 10 percent. France emerged as the third-largest supplier to sub-Saharan Africa during this period, capturing an 11 percent share of subregional arms imports. Turning to South America, France assumed a prominent position as the leading supplier, contributing 23 percent of subregional imports. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the United States dominated arms imports, commanding a significant share of 52 percent. Following the USA, France emerged as the next significant supplier, accounting for 12 percent of Middle Eastern arms imports, alongside Italy at 10 percent and Germany at 7.1 percent.
Qatar’s arms imports during the same period predominantly came from the United States, representing 45 percent of Qatari arms imports, followed by France at 25 percent and Italy at 15 percent. Notably, Qatar’s acquisitions included 36 combat aircraft from France, 36 from the USA, and 25 from the UK, in addition to 4 frigates procured from Italy.
Implications of Rising Arms Exports
The surge in arms exports across the globe is poised to have far-reaching implications, reshaping geopolitical dynamics and fostering a climate of heightened tension and competition. As importing countries bolster their military capabilities, several key implications emerge.
Firstly, heightened arms imports are likely to exacerbate existing tensions in importing countries and their surrounding regions. The influx of sophisticated weaponry may fuel regional rivalries and increase the likelihood of conflict, raising concerns about stability and security.
Secondly, importing countries are expected to allocate a larger portion of their budgets towards defense expenditures, reflecting a shift in their strategic priorities. The growing defense budgets signal a commitment to enhancing military capabilities and preparedness in response to perceived threats and geopolitical uncertainties.
Thirdly, the influx of arms into different regions, driven by increased exports from major suppliers, is poised to contribute to a proliferation of armaments. This proliferation not only amplifies the potential for conflict but also complicates efforts towards disarmament and non-proliferation initiatives.
Fourthly, Eastern Europe, already a region marked by geopolitical tensions and historical rivalries, is likely to experience further strain as arms imports increase. The influx of weaponry, coupled with ongoing political disputes, could exacerbate existing conflicts and raise the risk of escalation.
Fifthly, the surge in arms exports is expected to intensify competition among major exporters, particularly China, France, and Russia. As these countries vie for market share and influence, competition in the global arms trade is set to escalate, potentially leading to new marketing strategies and geopolitical maneuvering.
Sixthly, the rise in arms exports is likely to contribute to heightened polarization among nations, as countries align themselves with different suppliers based on strategic interests and geopolitical considerations. This polarization may further exacerbate regional tensions and complicate efforts towards diplomatic resolution of conflicts.
Finally, India’s increased arms imports from France, despite its longstanding relationship with Russia, signal a significant shift in procurement patterns. This shift underscores India’s strategic diversification efforts and reflects evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The surge in arms exports has profound implications for global security and stability, with tensions likely to rise in importing countries and their respective regions. The growing competition among arms exporters, coupled with increased defense budgets and regional rivalries, underscores the need for concerted efforts towards arms control, disarmament, and diplomatic dialogue to mitigate the risk of conflict and promote peace and security on a global scale.
The elevation of France as a major arms exporter in the world marks a significant juncture in the evolving dynamics of the global arms trade. While driven by various factors such as strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and evolving defense policies, France’s newfound position underscores its growing influence in international security affairs. However, amidst the shifting landscape of arms proliferation, it becomes imperative for policymakers and stakeholders to carefully assess the implications of this trend on regional stability, conflict dynamics, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Through informed analysis and proactive engagement, efforts can be directed towards fostering a more secure and stable global environment.
Syed Raiyan Amir Research Associate The Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA)
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 Sunday on French newspaper Le Figaro upon his arrival in Paris for a state visit to France.
Here is the full text of his article.
Carrying Forward the Spirit that Guided the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Working Together for Global Peace and Development
Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
I am delighted to pay my third state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
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. Over 150 years ago, French nationals helped China found its Fujian Navy Yard and the Fujian Naval Academy. France was also the first country to welcome government-sponsored students from China. A century ago, a number of young Chinese traveled to France for further education. Some of these young patriots went on to make remarkable contribution to the founding and development of New China. France was also the first major western country to enter into formal diplomatic ties with New China.
The year 2024 is of special significance. I will visit France bringing with me three messages from China.
—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.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France relations. Six decades ago, General Charles de Gaulle, with a strategic vision based on the trend of the time, resolved to establish diplomatic relations with New China. It wasn't easy to make this independent decision at the height of the Cold War, but it has proven to be right and foresighted. With the establishment of China-France relations, a bridge of communication between the East and West was built, and the international relations were able to evolve in the direction of dialogue and cooperation.
In these six decades, China-France relations have stayed abreast of the times. Our two countries took the lead in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and launching institutional strategic dialogue in China's relations with Western countries. We spearheaded cooperation in aviation and nuclear energy and on third-party markets. We were among the first to mutually open cultural centers and start cultural year activities, providing guidance for mutual learning between civilizations. China-France cooperation contributed to the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, boosting strongly the implementation of the global climate agenda.
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. China is ready to work with France in the spirit that guided the establishment of our diplomatic ties to forge a stronger comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and make new contributions to stronger cooperation of the global community.
—China will open even wider to the world and deepen cooperation with France and other countries.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. 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. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity. The Chinese economy registered 5.2 percent growth in 2023, and is expected to grow by around 5 percent in 2024 with greater progress toward high-quality development. China will remain a source of global growth and create opportunities for all countries.
One thing that has made China's development possible is our firm commitment to opening up. We welcome more quality French farm products and cosmetics to the Chinese market to meet the ever-growing needs of the Chinese people for a better life. We welcome investment by companies from France and other countries to China. To this end, we have fully opened up China's manufacturing sector, and will move faster to expand market access to telecom, medical and other services. We also have a 15-day visa-exemption policy for visitors from many countries including France, and we have taken further measures to facilitate travel and payment by foreigners in China.
While opening up itself, China also encourages Chinese companies to go global. France is advancing re-industrialization based on green innovation, whereas China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. Our two countries can deepen cooperation on innovation and jointly promote green development. Some Chinese companies have set up battery plants in France. The Chinese government supports more Chinese companies in investing in France. And we hope that France will ensure that they operate in a fair and equitable business environment.
—China will strengthen communication and coordination with France to uphold world peace and stability.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Seven decades ago, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai put forth in full the five principles for the first time —"mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence." Through 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have been widely accepted and recognized by countries across the world. They have become an important norm governing contemporary international relations.
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. China is the only country around the world that includes in its Constitution the commitment to the path of peaceful development, and China is the only country among the major nuclear-weapon states that is committed to no-first-use of nuclear weapons.
I have proposed in recent years the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. As part of China's efforts to help improve global governance and resolve tough question regarding human development, the three initiatives have won the support of more than 100 countries and international organizations.
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. Nonetheless, China has been playing a constructive role in striving for peaceful settlement of the crisis. I have made many appeals, among others, observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of all sides. I have stressed that nuclear weapons must not be used, and a nuclear war must not be fought. China has delivered to Ukraine many shipments of humanitarian aids, and sent its special representative many times to mediate among the countries concerned. The longer the Ukraine crisis drags on, the greater harm it will do to Europe and the world. China hopes that peace and stability will return to Europe at an early date. We stand ready to work with France and the whole international community to find a reasonable way out of the crisis.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict pulls on our heartstrings as well. The fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. History has repeatedly shown that the recurrent Palestine-Israel problem is rooted essentially in the failure of actual enforcement of relevant UN resolutions, in the continued erosion of the foundation for the two-state solution, and the deviation of the Middle East peace process. China and France have many in common on the Palestine-Israel issue. It is thus critical that we strengthen cooperation and help restore peace in the Middle East.
Confucius observed that "a man of true moral integrity is one who is both friendly but independent, and who does not compromise his principles, and who is independent without any bias or taking sides. How unflinchingly firm he is in his strength!" French writer Romain Rolland said that "it is so much easier to allow oneself to be guided than it is to think for oneself. This abdication is the kernel of the mischief." Both China and France value independence as two major countries. Our interactions in the long course of history have released tremendous energy swaying the trajectory of the world. 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!