Lu Shaye, Chinese ambassador to France, attends a gala held by the ACRF (L'Association des Chinois Résidant en France, meaning the Association of Chinese Residents in France) in celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France in Paris, France, Jan. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Embassy in France]

On January 27, 1964, China and France shocked the world by jointly announcing their establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations during the Cold War. It constituted a real "diplomatic nuclear explosion" according to Western media, and France became the first major Western country to recognize the People's Republic of China. 

From 1963 to 1964, Chairman Mao Zedong (1893–1976) and General Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and courage in their endeavors to break the ice and rekindle the ties between the two countries. While the shadow of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 still loomed large, China found itself encircled by the Western bloc led by the United States, struggling to regain its rightful seat at the United Nations. International exchanges and cooperation were hindered by numerous obstacles.

The historic development in Sino-French relations had a profound impact on world opinion and the global landscape. It holds a milestone significance in the history of Sino-Western relations and international diplomacy.

On January 27, 2024, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, I, along with my colleagues from the Chinese Embassy in France and the Chinese Consulate General in Strasbourg, joined French local dignitaries as well as Chinese and French representatives from various walks of life. Together, we paid tribute to General de Gaulle by laying flowers at his grave and memorial in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises.