China, France to strengthen co-op in industrial, aviation sectors

China and France on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen cooperation in industrial and aviation sectors.

The two sides listed car manufacturing as a priority in bilateral industrial cooperation, according to a mid- to long-term blueprint for the development of bilateral ties, which was published after visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his French counterpart Francois Hollande in Paris.

Xi is making a state visit to France at Hollande's invitation.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to the blueprint, the two countries will strengthen cooperation between French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen and China's Dongfeng Motor Group and Changan Automobile, respectively, and between France's Renault Group and Dongfeng.

Beijing and Paris also pledged to provide support for companies developing alternative energy and energy-efficient cars in the two countries.

At the same time, the two sides vowed to further enhance bilateral aviation cooperation, boost the development of the Airbus A320 jetliner final assembly line in China's Tianjin city so as to turn the facility into the Asian center of Airbus.

China and France also aim to build Tianjin into Airbus' manufacturing center in Asia in line with actual market demand.

Also, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries will further enhance their exchanges and cooperation in such areas as air traffic control and aviation safety.