China-France Spirit: What lies behind 60 years of special friendship?

In what was described at the time as a "diplomatic nuclear explosion," France became the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations with China 60 years ago, when the world was still gripped by the Cold War.

"The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of France have unanimously decided upon the establishment of diplomatic relations," Beijing and Paris said in a joint communique issued on January 27, 1964. "They thereby have agreed to exchange ambassadors within three months."

That communique establishing official relations, encompassing few more than 40 Chinese characters across two sentences, was the briefest with the most unique wording in China's diplomatic history.

In a video speech to a reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke highly of the significance of the start of the relationship, calling it 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," said Xi.

A special relationship

The relationship between China and France has steadily strengthened since 1964.

In 1997, France took the lead among Western countries in establishing a comprehensive partnership with China, which was upgraded into a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004.

Then in 2014, Xi paid his first state visit to France, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. He and François Hollande, then French president, agreed to open up a new era of a close and enduring China-France comprehensive and strategic partnership.

The China-France bond has become a special one, and it has always been at the forefront of China's relations with major developed countries in the West, Xi said during the visit.

He also hailed China and France as "special friends and win-win partners" in an article for a French newspaper ahead of his March 2014 visit, a message the Chinese president reiterated ahead of his second state visit to the European country in March 2019.

The two countries have conducted pioneering cooperation through a wide range of initiatives, from inaugurating the civil air route between China and the West to beginning civil nuclear energy cooperation.

France was the first Western country to sign an inter-governmental science and technology cooperation agreement with China, and to establish a third-party market inter-governmental cooperation mechanism with China.

France was also the first country to exchange with China in hosting a cultural year and setting up cultural centers, and was the first major Western country to conduct youth exchanges with China.

In November, Beijing announced a 15-day visa-free policy for short-term stays of French citizens in China, and Paris announced that Chinese holders of a master's degree obtained through study in France would be granted a five-year visa. 

"When looking around the world today, China-France ties could be said to be the most stable and positive among the relationships between the East and the West," said Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye in March.

The China-France Spirit

Over the past 60 years, cooperation between China and France to defend multilateralism is a continuation of former French President Charles de Gaulle's legacy, said Nathalie de Gaulle, great-granddaughter of the former French president.

France views China as an essential partner in resolving global challenges and both sides have committed to developing ties from a global perspective, said former French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius.

China and France are both committed to independence as well as multilateralism and peace, Fabius added.

Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed his vision and expectations of strategic autonomy for Europe on his return flight to France after wrapping up a visit to China in April 2023.

The unique history of China-France relations has shaped the China-France Spirit, featuring independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Xi said during his speech at the reception celebrating the 60th anniversary.

In today's world, this spirit is even more precious and relevant, he said.

Xi urged China and France, in the face of the new era, to uphold the original aspiration of the establishment of diplomatic relations, actively look forward to the future and dare to make greater progress.