As European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit, residents of Lyon shared their perspectives on growing cross-cultural connections. The summit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, sparking conversations about future collaboration.
Camille, a tourism student in Lyon, told CGTN that cultural exchange forms a vital bridge between nations. "I see how passionately Chinese people embrace French art and history," she said. "Now French audiences are discovering China through its TV dramas – the storytelling and traditions fascinate us." Her enthusiasm reflects a broader trend of Chinese cultural exports gaining European fans.
The summit agenda is expected to address economic cooperation and global challenges, but grassroots cultural connections like those highlighted in Lyon demonstrate the human dimension of China-EU relations. Analysts suggest such people-to-people exchanges could strengthen mutual understanding amid complex geopolitical landscapes.
