Chinese ambassador to France Zhai Jun shakes hands with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in front of a painting of General Charles de Gaulle by Chinese artist Fan Zeng after a press conference in Paris. [Photo by Li Xiang]

China and France vowed on Monday to deepen the strategic partnership ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Jan 27.

"The Sino-French relations still have special strategic significance today and we want to send a strong signal to the world that both China and France are devoted to build a new comprehensive strategic relations," said Chinese ambassador to France Zhai Jun at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

It is Zhai's first public appearance in France as the Chinese ambassador since he took office last week.

Zhai noted that the decision of former French President Charles de Gaulle to establish formal diplomatic relations with China in 1964 as the first western power to do so was a visionary decision and a classics example of independent diplomacy.

"It not only broke down the barriers of ideology but was also a reflection of inclusiveness and mutual respect of our difference national conditions and systems," he said.

Zhai said China and France should take more international responsibilities as the permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations and the reforms and development in both countries will create greater opportunities for future cooperation.

Fabius said that France is willing to deepen relations with China in the traditional fields of civil nuclear energy and aviation industry as well as new sectors of urbanization, digital economy and sustainable development.

"The decision of De Gaulle 50 years ago was extremely important as it opened the dialogue between the world's two major powers and it ensured the special status France has in China's foreign policy," Fabius said.

More than 300 events in both countries will be held throughout this year for the celebrations. The activities include cultural and art exhibitions and performances, business exchanges, seminars on education, technology and environmental cooperation, according to the French organizers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to pay a state visit to France at the end of March, which is seen as an important opportunity for the two countries to elevate the strategic partnership to a new level.