Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to France is of immense significance in strengthening the "special relationship" between China and France, positioning Sino-French relations as a leading force in Beijing's engagement with Western nations, according to experts.

Former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin underscored the profound importance of Xi's visit to France, particularly in the context of the uncertain global geopolitical landscape.

"I think that France is the No 1 country in Europe that tries to understand what the Chinese strategy is," he said. "It's very clear that this visit is a reason of proudness for us, because we are probably the country who has the best discussions with China."

Raffarin said: "While it is true that we may have differences, our aim is to engage in discussions that revolve around common topics and allow us to choose between confrontation and cooperation. As friends, we choose cooperation. In Europe, I believe that France is one of the countries that maintain a close relationship with China, despite having different perspectives. However, we also share a common vision for a reasonable and multilateral world."

Li Zhipeng, a researcher at the University of Poitiers and the National Center for Scientific Research in France, said: "President Xi's visit to France is of great significance in strengthening and consolidating the 'special relationship' between China and France and leading Sino-French relations to the forefront of China's relations with Western countries."

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Li emphasized that the visit would not only enhance political mutual trust between China and France but also promote all-round exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture and education between the two countries, which will generate tremendous energy for China and France and influence the direction of world civilization.

Special invitation

During Xi's three-day visit, he received a special invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to visit the Tourmalet — a pass in the Pyrenees mountains that is dear to Macron as he enjoyed visiting his grandmother there when he was a child.

"Such a family-like invitation is only extended to special friends. President Xi is the only foreign head of state who has received such special treatment from President Macron in France," Li said. "Therefore, we have reason to believe that the Sino-French relationship under the new era is like this special relationship, and will develop toward a more intimate and long-term stable relationship."

Mario Cavolo, a longtime China observer and nonresident senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, noted that Xi's visit to Europe after a five-year interval sends a clear message to the world. "It demonstrates China's commitment to continued engagement and its vision of a peaceful multipolar world," he said.