Century-old shipbuilding history a testament to lasting China-France friendship

Over 150 years ago, southeast China's Fuzhou was a frontier in one of China's first major experiments to learn about maritime engineering, navigation and other advanced Western technology.

Like mountains and the sea, the bond between China and France is reflected in the port city. The story of the two countries' friendship began there – the birthplace of China's first modern shipyard.

"I was impressed to see the struggle China had gone through to achieve modernization, as well as the international cooperation and exchange, especially between China and France that existed more than 150 years ago," said Fu Lixin, a local resident.

Chinese President Xi Jinping greatly values the history of shipbuilding in Fujian Province, with Fuzhou as its capital. Xi served as deputy party chief of Fujian from 1995 to 2002. During his time working in the province, he emphasized the importance of cultural protection many times.

"In 1997, Fuzhou planned to build an avenue along the river. The plan was to cut through the old shipyard. When Comrade Xi Jinping learned about it, he suggested that an overpass be built instead, so we can develop the area without destroying the site," said Xie Zuomin, former general manager of Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group.

Many of the old shipyard buildings were designed by French engineers and built in 1867. Some have lasted to the present day.

French naval officer Prosper Marie Giquel played an important role in promoting cooperation and exchange with his Chinese counterparts in the 1860s. He was instrumental in the establishment of a modern shipyard and the first naval academy in China, the Chuanzheng School, in Fuzhou.

"Giquel's plan focused on infrastructure, production and education. He also brought engineers, teachers of maths, physics, and charting to China with him. In the Chuanzheng School, students not only learned technology, but also the basic sciences behind it," said Marianne Bastid-Bruguiere, a French historian of modern China.

With the help of cutting-edge French technology, it took one year to build China's first kiloton-class steamer, Wannianqing. In 1871, China built its first marine steam engine.

In 1877, graduates from the Chuanzheng School, dubbed "China's first French university," went to study shipbuilding, mining and electrical engineering in France and Britain. Wei Han, one of the founders of China's modern shipbuilding, was among them.

"This is my great grandfather Wei Han," said Wei Hui, a descendant of the Chuanzheng School student, pointing at a portrait at the shipyard's school of design.

"During his time in France, he visited major arsenals shipyards there. He formed a deep friendship with his colleagues through working and living together. After completing his studies, he returned to China," Wei told CGTN.

Wei Hui and Giquel's descendants remain in contact to this day. Wei said he hopes to promote the friendship between China and France, like his great grandfather did 150 years ago, for years to come.