Sarkozy discusses finance, climate with Chinese premier

Apr 30, 2010, 7:32 GMT

Beijing - French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao discussed global finance and climate change Friday as the two nations drew a line under a recent diplomatic spat.

Wen and Sarkozy exchanged views on the global economic recovery and climate change at the Zhongnanhai government compound in Beijing, state media said.

Sarkozy was quoted as saying China was an 'important partner in strategic cooperation' and a 'true friend' of France.

He reiterated France's recognition of China's right to sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet, the official Xinhua news agency said.

State media called the visit a 'positive signal' of improving relations between the two nations after a diplomatic spat following Sarkozy's meeting with the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader, in December 2008.

China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist seeking Tibet's independence, but the monk said he only wants greater autonomy for Tibet within China.

Sarkozy was on the third day of a state visit to China and was scheduled to travel to Shanghai with his wife, Carla Bruni, for the opening ceremony of the World Expo 2010 later Friday.

In talks with President Hu Jintao Wednesday, Sarkozy said France wanted to expand economic ties with China in nuclear power, aviation, environmental protection and other fields.

Wu Bangguo, ranked number two in China's ruling Communist Party, told Sarkozy on Thursday that Beijing wanted to 'create a new model for cooperation' with France.