China News Service, Cologne, France, January 27, Cologne, France. Title: China and France look back on Charles de Gaulle after a decade.
China News Service reporter Li Yang
On January 27, local time, an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was held in the town of Double Church in Colombey, France. The town of Colombey with its two churches is located in the Haute-Marne department in northeastern France. It was the place where Charles de Gaulle settled in his later years and the place where he was laid to rest after his death. It is a historical moment since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. It is undoubtedly of special significance to recall the past and remember the great men here.
In his later years, de Gaulle studied, thought and talked about many issues related to China and Sino-French relations in the town of Colombey. Chinese and French guests laid flowers at the tomb of Charles de Gaulle at the local cemetery on the 27th, and then went to lay flowers at the Cross of Lorraine, the symbol of the Free French Movement led by Charles de Gaulle during World War II.
In the solemn atmosphere, people from all walks of life in China and France who attended the event felt the profound memory that Sino-French friendship is rooted in history, and remembered de Gaulle's contribution as the pioneer of a new chapter in the history of Sino-French relations. It was under de Gaulle's active promotion that France became the first Western power to establish formal diplomatic relations with New China.
At the Charles de Gaulle Memorial Hall, Natalie de Gaulle, the great-granddaughter of General de Gaulle, participated in the event as a representative of the de Gaulle family. She spoke highly of the historical significance of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1964. She considers the decisions her great-grandfather made to be far-sighted. She hopes that France and China can deepen cooperation in various fields in the future.
Lu Shaye, Chinese Ambassador to France, delivered a speech and pointed out that "when drinking water, remember its source." He said that 60 years ago today, Chairman Mao Zedong and General de Gaulle used their outstanding strategic vision to break the ice of the Cold War, cross the camp divide, and resolutely make the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between China and France.
Lu Shaye emphasized that “the most prominent spiritual core of de Gaulleism is undoubtedly independence.” Sixty years ago, it was in the spirit of independence that General de Gaulle withstood heavy pressure from the Western camp, especially the United States, and took the initiative to extend a hand of friendship to China, publicly stating that "France should listen directly to China and let China hear France's voice." ".
Lu Shaye called on China and France to remain true to their original aspirations and work hand in hand to shoulder the responsibilities of major powers, demonstrate their responsibility as major powers, and send a strong message of peace, cooperation, and dialogue to the world in the face of the chaotic international situation.
Wang Hua, an 86-year-old witness to the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, drove 250 kilometers from Paris to the town of Double Church in Colombe and spoke eloquently to reporters from China News Service at the commemorative event. When asked about the most impressive thing when China and France established diplomatic relations 60 years ago, Wang Hua said that in February 1964, the six-member Chinese team preparing to build the consulate arrived at the Gare de Lyon in Paris from Geneva, Switzerland, and was impressed by the French The warm welcome from people from all walks of life was "like welcoming a movie star." He felt that as early as that time, he could feel that the hearts of the Chinese and French people were already connected.
According to historical records, after China and France announced the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries sent advance teams to each other to build the museum. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Song Zhiguang as charge d'affaires of the embassy in France and organized advance personnel to go to Paris to prepare for the establishment of the embassy. Wang Hua was selected as one of the members of the six-member team preparing to build the museum. On June 2, 1964, China's first ambassador to France, Huang Zhen, took office, and France's first ambassador to China, Payet, arrived in Beijing almost at the same time. China and France successfully established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.
Talking about De Gaulle and De Gaulleism, Wang Hua told reporters that De Gaulle did have a far-sighted vision in making the strategic decision to establish diplomatic relations between China and France. The "diplomatic nuclear explosion" he created was actually reasonable. He hopes that France can continue to grasp the spiritual core of de Gaulle's "independence"; the Chinese and French people should also further enhance mutual trust.
Wang Hua is worried about the fact that the younger generation in France lacks sufficient understanding of history, especially the history of World War II, and is unclear about basic facts. He said that he experienced World War II when he was young and understood the harsh side of history. Those past experiences left a deep impression on him. Gaullism needs to be further understood by the French, especially the younger generation of France.
Today, 60 years later, the friendly cooperation between China and France in various fields continues to develop. Although de Gaulle was unable to visit China during his lifetime due to the regretful loss of historical opportunities, efforts to build a Sino-French relationship that "upholds the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, actively faces the future, and dares to make a difference" should comfort the souls of a generation of great men in heaven. (over)