Speaking with a diplomatic adviser to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Xi said his country wants France to take real steps to mend the diplomatic friction between the two nations, Xinhua reported. Their relations have been strained since the disruption of the Beijing Olympic Games torch run in Paris, French criticism of China's handling of Tibetan dissidents and allegedly biased reports in France regarding Chinese affairs.

"We hope the French side will pay great attention to the current problems in China-France relationship, take concrete actions and work with China to overcome difficulties, enhance friendship and deepen mutual trust, so as to make the relationship continue to develop in a healthy and stable way," Xi told French adviser Jean-David Levitte.

Levitte responded by saying his country was dedicated to improving its relations with China and would do all it could do bring about such positive change.