This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, a milestone celebrating six decades of robust cooperation and friendship. Established in 1964, France was the first major Western country to formalize diplomatic ties with China at the ambassadorial level, laying the foundation for a dynamic partnership.
In 2024, China and France are commemorating this enduring relationship as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. This celebration highlights the deep cultural exchanges and mutual appreciation between the two nations, with 113 pairs of sister provinces and cities fostering local-level connections.
Economically, China stands as France's largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest globally. Conversely, France ranks as China's third-largest trading partner and the third-largest source of investment within the European Union. In 2023, bilateral trade reached an impressive $78.9 billion, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 5.9% from 2019 to 2023.
Over the past five years, China's imports of French consumer goods have surged by an average of 12.3% annually. Additionally, imports of material technology products, biotechnology products, and integrated circuits from France have all experienced double-digit growth rates, underscoring the strength and diversification of their economic ties.
As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, \"Chart of the Day\" delves into the rich history of China-France cooperation, exploring how their partnership has evolved and its significant impact on global trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
