Exchanges help forge stronger ties between two great nations

Cultural and educational events boost links

Aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and fostering stronger ties between China and France, cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations are flourishing, marking a new chapter in their long-standing relationship.

One notable event is the Chinese culture-themed exhibition at the Foire de Paris running from May 1 to 12. Jointly organized by China International Communications Group and China's 12 central and local publicity and cultural institutions, the exhibition features top-notch artistic performances, creative products and entertainment experiences that demonstrate the unique charms of Chinese culture as well as modern achievements of the Chinese civilization.

Displaying around 2,000 artifacts, including themed books, bronzeware, porcelain, arts, crafts, and cultural and creative products, the current exhibit is the second time CICG has been invited to participate in the Foire de Paris, with the size of the Chinese pavilion doubling compared to last year.

At the opening ceremony, CICG President Du Zhanyuan said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, and noted that humanistic exchanges and cooperation play an irreplaceable role in exchanges between the two countries.

French senator Philippe Folliot said the fact both France and China have deep historical accumulations and culture is a vital foundation for people-to-people exchanges, and that the themed exhibition will contribute to the advancement of Sino-French ties.

In addition to cultural communication, China and France are strengthening their academic partnerships, facilitating student exchanges and launching joint projects among universities and research institutions. Data from the Ministry of Education indicate more than 46,000 Chinese students are studying in France and 1,500 French students are currently studying in China.

Yang Dan, director of the international cooperation and exchange department at the Ministry of Education, said educational cooperation will drive further development of Sino-French relations, and the ministry will continue to support Sino-French educational cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Yang said greater efforts will be made to bolster student exchanges and educational cooperation in four aspects: intensifying high-level visits in the education field to enhance understanding and mutual trust under the framework of the Sino-French humanistic exchange mechanism; creating better conditions to attract more exceptional French students and scholars to participate in exchange and educational programs in China; organizing more practical educational projects and activities; and expanding the scale of language cooperation.

France was one of the first Western countries to engage in educational exchanges with China, receiving outstanding students from the Foochow Arsenal, founded in 1866 as the birthplace of modern maritime education and naval education in China, to study in France. Chinese government-sponsored students gravitated to France after the reform and opening-up, and today educational exchanges play a crucial role in boosting the lasting development of bilateral relations.

In 2014, China and France established a high-level mechanism for cultural exchanges, and over the past decade, it has achieved fruitful results in such fields as education, science and technology, and culture.

wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn