On March 13, 2004, French President Chirac met with visiting Special Envoy and Vice Foreign Minister of China Mr. Dai Bingguo in the Elysée Palace. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations between the two countries and international issues of common concern in an earnest and friendly atmosphere. Dai Bingguo forwarded a letter for President Chirac by President Hu Jintao.

During the meeting, both sides held that the visit to France by President Hu Jintao was a great success and was of great significance to promoting development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France. The two sides expressed willingness to maintain the momentum of exchanges of top-level visits and make follow-up efforts to what have been agreed during the visit by President Hu in a bid to bring China-France relations to a new high. Dai Bingguo introduced latest developments of situations across the Taiwan Straits and expounded China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue. President Chirac reiterated that France adheres to the One-China policy and opposes any unilateral action aimed at changing the status quo, escalating tensions across the Taiwan Straits and leading to "Taiwan independence", including a referendum. The Chinese side expressed appreciation and thanks for the position of France.

Earlier, on March 12, Dai Bingguo also held talks with Chief of Staff of French Military Forces Henri Bentegeat, Diplomatic Advisor of French Presidential Office and leaders from French foreign ministry. Zhao Jinjun, Ambassador of China to France, attended the above-mentioned meeting and talks.