Former French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Lafarlane recently stated in an interview with China News Agency that world peace and development cannot be achieved without China, and the continuation of world civilization also cannot be achieved without China. China, France, and China Europe should adhere to mutual understanding and respect, strengthen coordination and cooperation, and jointly move towards a "positive cycle of mutual benefit".

Lafarlane pointed out that the Chinese and French civilizations have a long history and a long history. Due to their geographical distance, there are inevitably differences between the two civilizations. Therefore, China and Europe must maintain long-term exchanges. He said, "I have been dealing with China for more than 50 years. Over these years, I have seen the Chinese people working hard for modernization, and Chinese society has already undergone earth shaking changes. I have seen the rise of urbanization and technological progress, which have not yet been understood by enough people in Europe."

He said, "May I ask which ethnic group in the world has made such great progress in such a short period of time?" In response, he encouraged the establishment of foreign language learning programs for young people from both sides, encouraged European youth to learn Chinese, and also encouraged young people from China and other Asian countries to learn French, promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning.

From April 5th to 7th, 2023, French President Macron successfully conducted a state visit to China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that in 2024, China and France will take the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the China France Cultural Tourism Year as an opportunity to comprehensively restart exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as culture, education, tourism, sports, and art between the two countries.

Lafarlane pointed out that China is crucial in maintaining a multidimensional balance in the world. World peace cannot do without China, and world development cannot do without China. Without Chinese civilization, world civilization would also be incomplete. Therefore, China and Europe should face up to differences and differences, seek common ground while reserving differences, expand cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, and jointly build a peaceful future.

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) is about to open in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Lafarlane also shared insights on China Europe's joint response to the challenge of climate change.

He pointed out that the current global climate change situation is extremely severe, and the international community should implement the Paris Agreement and take concrete actions to jointly address climate change as an opportunity, gather global consensus, quell conflicts and wars, and work together to protect the Earth.

China and Europe have demonstrated a common determination in addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. China proposed in 2020 to strive for peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The European Commission proposed a comprehensive plan to address climate change in 2021, aimed at reducing the net greenhouse gas emissions of the EU by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Lafarlane said, "The international community has reached a consensus on the necessity of protecting the Earth.".