Over 150 years ago, southeast China's Fuzhou emerged as a pivotal hub for maritime engineering, marking the beginning of a strong China-France friendship. This historic bond is embodied in the city’s first modern shipyard, a testament to early international cooperation and technological exchange.
Fu Lixin, a local resident, reflects on the city's journey, \"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.\"
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds the shipbuilding history of Fujian Province, with Fuzhou as its capital, in high regard. During his tenure as deputy party chief of Fujian from 1995 to 2002, Xi emphasized cultural preservation. Xie Zuomin, former general manager of Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group, recalls, \"In 1997, Fuzhou planned to build an avenue along the river. 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.\"
The old shipyard, with many buildings designed by French engineers and constructed in 1867, still stands today. French naval officer Prosper Marie Giquel was instrumental in fostering cooperation, establishing the modern shipyard and the first naval academy in China, the Chuanzheng School, in Fuzhou.
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Century-old shipbuilding history testament to China-France friendship
cgtn.com
