This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, a milestone that celebrates six decades of robust cooperation and mutual growth. Since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1964, when France became the first major Western nation to do so at the ambassadorial level, the two countries have fostered strong connections across various sectors.
Over the years, China and France have expanded their partnership beyond traditional economic and trade relations to include innovation, green development, culture, and tourism. As of now, there are 113 pairs of sister provinces and cities between the two nations, symbolizing the deep-rooted exchanges at local levels.
Economically, China stands as France’s largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest globally. Conversely, France is China’s third-largest trading partner within the European Union and its third-largest source of investment from the EU. In 2023, total trade between the two countries reached $78.9 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9 percent from 2019 to 2023.
Notably, over the past five years, China’s imports of consumer goods from France have increased at an average annual rate of 12.3 percent. Imports of material technology products, biotechnology products, and integrated circuits have also seen double-digit growth rates, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of their trade relations.
The year 2024 has been designated as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, promising a series of events and exchanges that will further strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. This initiative underscores the commitment of China and France to deepen their collaboration and explore new avenues for partnership in the coming years.
As we look back on the past six decades, the journey of China-France relations showcases a successful model of international cooperation built on mutual respect and shared interests. The future holds significant promise as both countries continue to work together towards common goals and global prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
