On January 25, 2024, the reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and France 60 years ago was a major event in the history of international relations. With extraordinary wisdom and courage, Chairman Mao Zedong and General Charles de Gaulle opened the door for exchanges and cooperation between China and the West, bringing hope to the world amid 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 two peoples and contributing to world peace, stability and development.
Xi Jinping stressed that the unique history of China-France relations has shaped the "China-France spirit" featuring independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. In the face of the new era, China and France need to uphold the original aspiration of the establishment of diplomatic relations, actively look forward to the future, and dare to make greater progress. The two sides need to steadfastly develop bilateral relations and respond to world uncertainties with the stability of China-France relations. The two sides can take the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the Paris Olympic Games as opportunities to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote closer people-to-people bonds. The two sides should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and continue to contribute to maintaining world peace and stability and addressing global challenges. While deepening traditional cooperation, the two sides need to actively tap the potential of cooperation in emerging areas such as green industries and clean energy, make the "pie" bigger for mutual benefit, and pool cooperation forces and share development opportunities through openness. Facing the next 60 years, China and France will work together to create greater glories.
French President Emmanuel Macron also delivered a video speech. Macron said that 60 years ago, General Charles de Gaulle went beyond the logic of camp confrontation and made the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Today, the two sides have the responsibility to build on the ambitious goals set in 1964 and continue to work together to build a partnership that not only meets the needs of the two peoples, but also contributes to world peace and stability. France is ready to join hands with China to address global challenges and promote the resolution of international crises. The year 2024 is the France-China Year of Culture and Tourism, and the two sides will hold a variety of activities. The two sides should take this opportunity to enhance the 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 Culture and Tourism Year at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and broadcast video speeches from the two heads of state.
