On April 1, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in London, exchanging views on bilateral ties and tackling the global financial crisis.

Hu said this year marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. "The past 45 years of bilateral ties offer a profound inspiration and teach us a lot." "First of all, it is in the fundamental interests of both nations to develop long-term stable and friendly relations, which is also conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity," Hu said. Hu said both countries should treat and handle their bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective and bear in mind the general course for the development of bilateral ties. Second, it is only natural that differences exist between China and France over some issues given the differences between the two countries in terms of social system, history, culture and economic level, Hu said. Both sides should follow the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Hu said. "Both should properly handle their differences and the sensitive issues on the basis of respect for each other's core interests." Third, China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, should strengthen communication and expand cooperation so as to play crucial roles in efforts to meet global challenges and make positive contributions to promoting world peace and development, Hu said.

"Severe difficulties" had cropped up in bilateral relations a few months before, which the Chinese side did not want to see, Hu said. France has recently reaffirmed adherence to the one-China policy and recognition that Tibet is an inseparable part of China’s territory. France also pledged not to support "Tibet independence" in any form. "China appreciates France's latest move and feels happy about the restoration of bilateral relations," Hu said. In view of the complicated and volatile international situation and the spreading global financial crisis, both sides should adhere to the correct orientation of bilateral relations, removing obstacles and working together closely to advance bilateral ties. Hu also called for strengthening high-level exchanges and cooperation in various areas as well as increasing communication and coordination in efforts to tackle the global financial crisis.

Sarkozy said that no matter how France-China relations change, he believed there is only one China in the world, with Taiwan and Tibet constituting inalienable parts of Chinese territory. The French president said he was glad the two countries restored their comprehensive strategic partnership and resumed strategic dialogue. He expressed the hope that the two countries would seek to promote the steady and harmonious development of bilateral ties in politics, economy, diplomacy and other areas. Noting China's increasingly important role in the international economic system, Sarkozy said France would like to work with China to push for the reform of the international financial institutions.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.