France's foreign minister to visit China in bid to stabilise relations

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourné will visit China on Monday, Beijing's foreign ministry has announced, as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations and seek to strengthen ties.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Sejourné would meet with his counterpart, Wang Yi. The trip may include preparations for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to France and Italy in May.

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years.

During meetings in Paris last month, Wang told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance on global issues.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and France.

France has in recent years invested huge amounts of money, in nuclear and car construction industries.

'Rock star' welcome

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.

Macron also visited China last April, receiving a "rock star" welcome at a university in southern China from hundreds of enthousiastic students and fans.

Macron has brushed off accusations of cosying up to Beijing and sparked controversy by saying Europe shouldn't be a "follower" of the United States in the event of conflict with China over Taiwan.

But despite this, France remains wary of Beijing's growing assertiveness, especially in the Pacific, where Paris has overseas territories in New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia.

(with newswires)