China and France sign Airbus, other deals totalling US$4 billion

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rance and China signed 20 agreements and contracts with a total value of 3 billion euros (US$4 billion) in Beijing yesterday. Contracts ranged from the purchase of Airbus jumbos to enhanced nuclear co-operation, the latest sign of increased friendship between the two countries. Premier Wen Jiabao and French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin watched the signing of agreements after their talks, during which Raffarin reaffirmed France's opposition to the European Union's 16-year ban on arms sales to China.

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To further bilateral partnership in the nuclear sector, the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and the Electrical Company of France signed a long-term co-operation agreement. "This is a framework agreement that will allow the French side to provide personnel and technical support to Chinese nuclear plants," said Qiao Junping, the Beijing representative of the Guangdong Nuclear Power Group, in an interview with China Daily. So far, two nuclear plants -- Dayawan and Ling'ao, both in Guangdong, -- are equipped with French nuclear technology.France and China also set up joint ventures between French auto parts firm Valeo and China's First Auto Works.

On the lifting of Europe's arms embargo on China, Raffarin said that "there is no reason for the European Council to change its decision to lift the arms embargo."

"The stance of France (on this matter) is clear," he said at a joint press conference with Wen. Wen said the embargo is "political discrimination" and expressed gratitude for France's understanding and support on the matter.

Turning to the Anti-Secession Law, which was passed by China's National People's Congress in March, Raffarin said the law was "totally compatible" with the French position on the question of Taiwan. He said France supports the one-China principle and appreciates the Chinese Government's efforts to alleviate tension across the Taiwan Straits.
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