CMG hosts celebration for 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to France, China Media Group (CMG) hosted a cultural exchange celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, and signed a cooperation memorandum with Euronews. The event showcased several high-quality Sino-French co-productions in film, television and integrated media products.

During the event, Laurent Fabius, president of the Constitutional Council and former French prime minister; Jean-Pierre Raffarin, president of the Prospective and Innovation Foundation and former French prime minister; Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and president of CMG; Brice Lalonde, former French Minister for the Environment and former secretary-general of the United Nations; and Éric Alauzet, president of the France-China Friendship Group of the French National Assembly, delivered speeches.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, China-France relations have consistently thrived," said Fabius. "Both countries have fostered mutual understanding and collaboration, uniting to tackle global challenges and serve as pillars of global peace and development."

"I've witnessed and participated in the friendly exchanges between the two countries, visiting China numerous times. I'm truly impressed by China's rapid development and achievements," he said.

He also noted CMG's efforts to enhance cooperation between China and France in culture, film and television, tourism, as well as youth exchanges, underscoring its significant media role.

"Media exchanges and cooperation have become vital channels for mutual understanding and learning between our two countries," said Raffarin.

"It's wonderful to see the CMG embracing the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations to arrange cultural exchange activities and collaborate with French media on high-quality programs. This allows both nations to better understand each other's cultures, fostering deeper friendship through mutual attraction," he expressed.

"In the ongoing development of China-France bilateral relations, the media serves as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges, promoting connectivity and fostering friendship and mutual trust," said Shen.

"Since the start of this year, CMG has launched a range of high-quality Sino-French co-produced programs and integrated media products, enriching the exchanges between the two countries," he said. "We will also send over 2,000 team members to cover the Paris Olympics, leveraging the Olympic spirit to strengthen mutual understanding.

"At the historic milestone of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, CMG aims to renew the decade-long friendship between China and France through integrated communication encompassing ideology, art and technology," he said.

Grégoire de Gaulle, grandnephew of late French President Charles de Gaulle, and Cui Donghui, son of Chinese artist Chang Shana, shared stories of three generations of Sino-French friendship in their families. They expressed hope that more French people would understand China through CMG's high-quality programs, and continue the longstanding friendship. Additionally, they expressed hope for strengthening future exchanges and cooperation in art, humanities and other fields.

During the event, CMG signed a cooperation memorandum with Euronews to expand collaboration in content co-production, brand activities, resource sharing and other aspects.

Nearly a hundred celebrities from various fields including politics, economics, culture, art, sports and media from China and France attended the event, including Pedro Vargas David, CEO of Euronews; Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, minister of State for Transport; Marie-Laure de Rochebrune, chief curator of the Palace of Versailles; Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, chair of the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association; as well as Chinese artist like Sun Xiaoyun, Zhu Bingren and International Olympic Committee member Zhang Hong.