Sarkozy turns up pressure on China over yuan

BEIJING, Nov 26 (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday called publicly on Chinese President Hu Jintao to let the yuan rise more swiftly against the euro.

Speaking at a joint news conference, Sarkozy said China had growing global responsibilities on issues such as the environment and, particularly, on economic and currency matters.

"We need to arrive at currency rates that are harmonious and fair," Sarkozy said, adding that China should "accelerate the appreciation of the yuan against the euro".

The French president also said China had agreed to buy 160 Airbus (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) aircraft. The two sides earlier announced a framework purchase agreement but did not disclose how many planes China would buy. (Reporting by Tim Hepher, editing by Ken Wills)