PR Newswire
BEIJING , May 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Editor's Note:
Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying state visits to
France
, Serbia and
Hungary
from
May 5 to 10
at the invitation of President
Emmanuel Macron
of the Republic of
France
, President
Aleksandar Vucic
of the Republic of Serbia and President
Tamas Sulyok
and Prime Minister
Viktor Orban
of
Hungary
. Ahead of the Chinese leader's visit to
France
, Global Times reporter
(GT)
Chen Qingqing interviewed Eric Alauzet
(Alauzet),
president of the France-China Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, to talk about the implications of the visit for
China
-
France
relations, review the development of bilateral relations and discuss the role of
China
-
France
relations in
China
-EU relations.
GT: What are your expectations for President Xi's visit to
Europe
?
Alauzet:
I wouldn't say that exchanges are resuming because they have already resumed. During the COVID pandemic, exchanges were a bit more strained. Exchanges have resumed since President Macron visited
China
last April. Now President Xi is coming to
France
for the 60th anniversary [of the establishment of
China
-
France
diplomatic relations], so it's an opportunity to deepen relations and continue the dialogue as openly as we have been doing for a long time, at all levels, from presidents and ministers to parliamentarians in the friendship group. Despite the difficulties or differences in views between [our two] countries, continuing to speak openly is key.
GT:
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
China
and
France
. Could you share some important historical moments and achievements from these 60 years of
China
-
France
relations?
Alauzet:
As we know, but perhaps less known to the French, the number 60 holds significant importance in Chinese culture. Personally, I have a deep understanding of this significance, as it marks the completion of a cycle, and thus it's a moment to take an assessment of what has happened during these 60 years. Overall, the assessment is very positive, and it's an opportunity, especially with the 60th anniversary and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, to revitalize and give impetus to the new cycle that is beginning, in terms of the coming 60 years. So, it's an important opportunity to reinvigorate and deepen our relations.
GT: Over the past 60 years, what have been the changes and constants in
China
-
France
relations?
Alauzet:
The changes are undoubtedly linked to the deepening of relations between our two countries, a mutual understanding that continues to deepen, a better understanding, and thus the development of cultural and economic relations. But we must consider the general context; the changes are also related to the overall context, particularly in the economic field.
There have been industrial revolutions in
China
and technological revolutions worldwide with artificial intelligence. So, all these developments have contributed to the change and deepening of our relations, as well as changes in geopolitical dynamics.
The constant factors are the mutual trust between our countries and the curiosity and mutual admiration for our cultures. Both cultures, each with several millennia of history, are so different, and therefore so attractive because of their differences. This has remained the same, while the changes, I would say, are mainly linked to the world situation.
GT: In your opinion, what role do
China
-
France
relations play in the context of China-EU relations? How will
Europe's
position in Chinese foreign policy evolve?
Alauzet:
I believe both
China
and
France
- and also
Europe
- advocate for multilateralism.
France
and
China
share the responsibility of being countries that avoid extremes and maintain balance, thus avoiding both unilateralism and a bloc-to-bloc approach, which would be equally detrimental.
China
places great importance on
France
, knowing that
France
has a measured position in its alignment with the US, contributing to
Europe
finding its path and promoting multilateralism.
GT: 2024 is the Year of Culture and Tourism between
China
and
France
, as well as the Olympic year for
France
. Could you please share the plans for cultural cooperation and exchanges between the two countries for this special year? And what role do cultural and human exchanges play in enhancing bilateral relations?
Alauzet:
The primary and essential role of cultural relations is that there is never any disagreement. In cultural relations, there are enormous differences, but they assist our curiosity and interest more than they provoke any potential disapproval. So, cultural relations are always beneficial; they enrich us through our differences.
Personally, due to my professional evolution as a doctor interested in acupuncture, I have become passionate about Taoism. Taoism has not only inspired my professional life as an acupuncturist but has also influenced my personal life. I maintain my Western values, but I am deeply influenced by Taoism. Culture is the foundation; it is about emotion, sensitivity and bringing people closer.
With the 60th-anniversary celebration and this cultural year, there are numerous events happening in both
China
and
France
. I had the opportunity to attend a concert launched in the presence of the Minister of Culture at
Versailles
, at the Royal Opera House. It was a collaboration between our two orchestras, the Royal Opera House of
Versailles
and the Chinese orchestra, and it was fabulous. They performed French and Chinese works together, creating extraordinary moments.
I also supported a cultural cooperation project organized by two regions, involving the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, as I am based in Besançon, and the city of
Hefei
in
Anhui Province
. Recently, there was an inauguration where more than 10 artists from
France
exhibited their works in
Hefei
. In the coming autumn, 10 Chinese artists will exhibit their works in
France
. The program is very rich and it is quite exceptional.
GT: In the fields of emerging technologies, sustainable development and green energy, how can
China
and
France
seek new opportunities for cooperation?
Alauzet:
I am very happy to see
China
engaged in issues of biodiversity and climate. I am very happy to see the rapid progress the Chinese are making in new technologies such as solar, photovoltaic, wind, as well as many others. I am delighted that
China
has joined the Paris Agreement to contribute, with its own history and deadlines to carbon neutrality.
France
and
Europe
are also looking for ways to catch up with gigafactories for batteries, which does not prevent Chinese companies from developing collaborations in
France
and
Europe
for renewable energy production using solar, wind and other sources. When technologies are implemented in
France
, it should be done in partnership with French private or public companies, a bit like a gateway, and we should also take advantage of it to boost technology in
France
and
Europe
.
View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-mutual-trust-curiosity-and-admiration-for-cultures-constant-factors-in-china-france-relations-302136221.html
SOURCE Global Times