French Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, is on a visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two met this morning and held a joint press conference. Wang Yi said they discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on international issues of common concern.

The two said they have confidence in the ties, and see great potential for further development. They agreed to enhance high-level exchanges to increase political trust, and to make good use of various exchange mechanisms. The two countries also agreed to seek an integration of economic plans.

The foreign minister's visit comes after the European Parliament passed a resolution Thursday urging the EU not to grant China market economy status.

"We hope the European Union can look at China's development objectively, respect the regulations of WTO, and abide by treaty obligations. In recent years, Europe has been a pioneer in promoting freedom and openness of trade, stressing credit and the rule of law,"

"We hope and believe that in the 21st century, the European Union will make the wise and right choice when it comes to the question of whether we should be open or exercise protectionism in trade, whether we should keep a promise or break a promise. China has only one simple, clear and reasonable request on this: please keep your promise," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.