China France Photo:VCG

China's Defense Minister visited France and held talks with his French counterpart on Monday. Experts told the Global Times that the visit holds positive significance for the continued development of bilateral military relations, reflecting the evolving new perceptions, thinking and policies that European countries have developed toward China in the field of defense and security.

During his visit to France at the invitation of the French side, China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun held talks with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday.

The two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral military relations, international and regional situations, and issues of mutual concern, reaching a consensus on enhancing practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries, per the Chinese statement.

Prior to the talks, Lecornu hosted a welcome ceremony for Dong and accompanied him in reviewing the honor guard, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

Citing the French defense ministry, Reuters earlier reported that Lecornu would host Dong in Paris on Monday, adding that the two would discuss topics such as European security, the Middle East and the "Indo-Pacific." 

This marks the first visit by a Chinese defense minister to a major Western country in many years. Experts told the Global Times that the visit carries major significance, signaling strengthened bilateral and military ties, and deepened practical cooperation between the two militaries amid the current complex and volatile global security landscape.

Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the meeting between the two defense ministers played a significant role in boosting trust and promote cooperation between the two militaries. It is also important for the two sides to enhance exchanges and communications to avoid misunderstanding.

Both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council, so the two countries' defense exchanges are also conducive to the global and regional security situations. The two countries have common interests in safeguarding peace and stability in the world, Wang said.

An expert told the Global Times on Tuesday that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. France, as a key European power, major participant in the Anti-Fascist War, and UN Security Council permanent member, provides a meaningful context for Dong's visit, which signals continued momentum in China-France military relations.

Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that over the recent two years, European countries, including France, have frequently engaged in military exchanges with China, with military and security ties steadily warming up. Dong's visit reflects the ongoing positive trajectory of China-Europe defense relations.

In addition to France, the UK is also part of the broader development in China-Europe military relations. In early April, Admiral Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defense Staff of the UK, visited China, marking the first visit by the UK's highest-ranking military official to China in a decade.

Zhuo said the positive trend in China-Europe military exchanges stems from several factors. The warming of China-Europe political and diplomatic relations has provided a favorable environment for the development of military ties. In particular, 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the meeting between two heads of state produced important consensus on deepening bilateral cooperation, laying the foundation for the two countries to seek common ground, bridging differences and identifying shared priorities.  

Zhuo noted that under current global conditions, Europe, especially major military powers like the UK and France, has strengthened its strategic autonomy in both intent and action. In recent years, Europe has faced serious security challenges in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East, while also suffering bullying, unilateralism and even security "blackmail" from its transatlantic ally. These factors have prompted Europe to accelerate the development of multilateral and diversified military-security relations.  

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, echoed these views. He told the Global Times on Tuesday that there is a broad consensus that profound rifts have emerged in the US-Europe alliance. Faced with significant differences over how to address the Ukraine crisis, European countries have increasingly recognized the importance of coordination and communication with China.

"Moreover, enhanced defense and security coordination between France, the UK, and China reflects greater strategic autonomy in the China policies of the UK, France, and the EU, making their approaches more flexible and constructive," Li said.

Zhuo and Li agreed that in today's international landscape, marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and instability, China's role has become increasingly prominent.