00:00 The Charles de Gaulle memorial has become a focal point for commemorating the 60th anniversary
00:07 of diplomatic relations between China and France.
00:11 The memorial square, which pays tribute to the late French leader, provides a backdrop
00:17 to mark current China-France relations.
00:20 Dignitaries from both nations have gathered to mark the occasion.
00:24 "Over recent decades, China and France have combined efforts to tackle global challenges.
00:34 Not only has this contributed to the development of both nations and the well-being of both
00:39 peoples, it has also promoted global multipolarity and democratization of international relations."
00:47 Sixty years ago, France became the first major Western country to officially establish diplomatic
00:53 relations with Beijing, a development labelled a diplomatic nuclear explosion in Western
01:00 media at the time.
01:02 "This ceremony, in these difficult times, helps to remind us that General de Gaulle
01:11 was a visionary because he understood that France wouldn't be independent without diplomatic
01:16 ties with powerful nations like China."
01:20 Today, China is France's third largest trading partner.
01:25 Areas of common interest include the auto industry, aviation, civilian nuclear energy
01:30 and tackling global warming.
01:33 Most recently, China has implemented a 15-day visa-free policy for France at the end of
01:38 last year to boost cultural exchanges.
01:42 Today's close cooperation reflects what late French leader Charles de Gaulle said when
01:47 he officially recognised China in 1964 to the surprise of other Western allies.
01:52 He justified this by "evidence and reason".
01:58 This sentiment was echoed by President Emmanuel Macron during Xi Jinping's latest state visits
02:03 in 2019.
02:05 The French leader has since urged Europe to follow a policy of strategic autonomy.
02:11 This is often seen as shorthand for maintaining good relations with China rather than allying
02:16 too closely with the US amid China-US tensions.
02:20 Li Jianhua, CGTN, France
02:22 [MUSIC PLAYING]
Comments