China-France Ties: Wine proves to be winning formula for cultural exchanges

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Europe

Emmanuel Macron's first visit to China as French president may be predominantly about diplomacy and trade. But these two countries have strong shared cultural ties, too. Here's Owen Fairclough.

All good relations are fortified by a love of food and drink, China and France are no exception.

Chinese investors are snapping up Bordeaux vineyards and some of France's most pungent cheeses are now on Chinese supermarket shelves.

Even President Xi Jinping was partial to a decent Beaujolais on his last visit to France.

"That's very good."

They're even working off that good living together-Shanghai hosting the first Chinese leg of the Tour de France last year.

Chinese culture is being recognized at the highest level in France. Qiu Yang's short movie A Gentle Night won a Palme D'or at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

And if Chinese students are studying to become wine professionals, "French wine is the best!"

French students are serious about learning Chinese. In 2015, around 10,000 were studying in China-more than any other European country.

All helping to share mutual understanding of life's simple pleasures. A votre sante or "gan bei"!