BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China very much appreciates French President Jacques Chirac's positive role in pushing for China-France ties and China-EU ties, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang here Tuesday.

    Qin told a regular press conference that in recent years, China and France have enjoyed constant development of their bilateral all-round strategic partnership. This was the fruit of joint efforts of both nations and the leaders of both nations, he noted.

    Qin expressed appreciation for France's right stances over the issues concerning Taiwan, China-EU relations and lifting EU arms embargo against China, saying that China was satisfied with the growth of China-France relations.

    Qin said China and France, both as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, share many common interests and important responsibilities in international affairs. China will unalterably push for friendly cooperative relations with France no matter how the internal situation in France or China changes and how the international situation changes.

    China is ready to constantly promote the development of China-France all-round strategic partnership in the spirit of the three joint communiques between the two nations, Qin noted.

    Chirac has served as president of France since he was first elected in 1995. He won a re-election in 2002. His current term expires on May 17, 2007.

    Chirac announced in a televised address Sunday night that he would not seek a third presidential term.