French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sichuan University in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on the Chinese mainland, on Friday, December 5, 2025, marking a deepening of Sino-French academic ties.
In recent years, Sichuan University has forged and expanded partnerships with leading institutions in France, including the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Paris Nanterre University, the University of Toulouse, and the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations. These collaborations span fields from political science to oriental studies, creating new pathways for student exchanges and joint research.
Macron's visit also reaffirmed the historic bond between Chengdu and Montpellier. Since 1981, the two cities have maintained a sister-city relationship—the first between a city on the Chinese mainland and a French city—paving the way for decades of cultural and educational exchange.
As global education initiatives continue to expand, this high-profile visit underscores the importance of academic partnerships in building a connected, innovative future for young scholars across borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
