China seeking to deepen ties with France

BEIJING, Mar 24 (AFP): China said Monday it hopes an upcoming visit by the French foreign minister would see the countries deepen cooperation in a world facing "turbulence and transformation".

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years, but Paris has also pressed Beijing on its ties with Moscow, which have strengthened since the invasion of Ukraine.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is set to visit the Chinese capital Beijing and economic powerhouse Shanghai on Thursday and Friday, his first visit since becoming the country's top diplomat last year.