4. Xi on Sino-French ties

Xi Jinping delivers video speech at reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of establishment Sino-French diplomatic relations

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 25 – On January 25th, a reception for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was held at the National Center for the Performing Arts. President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France 60 years ago was a major event in the history of international relations. Chairman Mao Zedong and General de Gaulle used their extraordinary wisdom and courage to open the door to exchanges and cooperation between China and the West, bringing hope to the world in the midst of the Cold War. Over the past 60 years, China-France relations have always been at the forefront of China’s relations with Western countries, bringing benefits to the people of both countries and contributing to world peace, stability and development.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the unique history of China-France relations has shaped the “China-France spirit” of independence, mutual understanding, foresight, and mutual benefit. Facing the ups and downs of the new era, China and France should uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, actively face the future, and dare to make a difference. Both sides should unswervingly develop bilateral relations and respond to the uncertainty of the world with the stability of China-France relations; they should take the China-France Culture and Tourism Year and the Paris Olympics as opportunities to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote people-to-people bonds; they should jointly advocate equality and mutual benefit To promote a multi-polar and inclusive economic globalization in the world, China and France will continue to make contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability and responding to global challenges; we must adhere to mutual benefit and win-win results, and while deepening traditional cooperation, actively explore green industries, clean We should continue to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as energy, and insist on making the pie bigger, gathering cooperation forces through openness and sharing development opportunities. Facing the next 60 years, China and France will work together to create greater glories.

French President Macron also delivered a video message. Macron said that 60 years ago, General Charles de Gaulle transcended the logic of camp confrontation and made the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Today we have the responsibility to build on the ambitious goals established in 1964 and make persistent efforts to jointly build a partnership that not only meets the needs of the two peoples but is also conducive to world peace and stability. France is willing to work with China to respond to global challenges and promote the resolution of international crises. 2024 is also the France-China Year of Culture and Tourism, and both sides will hold a variety of activities. We should take this opportunity to intensify exchanges between the two peoples, especially the youth, and lay a more solid foundation for the future of France-China relations.

On January 31, the two countries will also hold an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the opening of the Year of Culture and Tourism at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and broadcast the video speeches of the two heads of state.