Wang Hua, who witnessed the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, recalls the secrets of the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago

　　China News Service, Beijing, February 2. In 2024, China and France will usher in an important node in the history of their relations. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, France's "European Times" recently published "Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and France—— The special French issue of "Ten Years of Sino-French Relations" contains exclusive interviews and reports from experts, scholars, political, business and cultural representatives from all walks of life in the two countries. Wang Hua, the first translator of the Chinese Embassy in France, is one of them.

　　In 1964, the People's Republic of China sent the first batch of six diplomats to France. Their mission was to establish the first Chinese embassy in Paris. Wang Hua, now 85 years old, is one of these six people. He is one of the last witnesses to this incident. Wang Hua told the European Times the story behind the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, two major countries in the East and the West, 60 years ago.

　　"For me, it all seems like yesterday. In 1963, (China and France) began negotiations to establish diplomatic relations. The day when the decision was made on January 27, 1964, was also a climax in my life." Recalling Wang Hua still remembers the past 60 years ago.

　　At that time, China and France signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations, stipulating that ambassadors would be sent to each other within three months. Wang Hua, who was teaching French at Peking University at the time, received an invitation from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and became a member of the advance team responsible for establishing the embassy in Paris. To establish the embassy in less than 90 days, one can imagine the heavy task. At that time, there was only one flight per week between China and France. Wang Hua and his teammates finally arrived in Paris after a long journey, and challenges followed.

　　Finding a suitable ambassador's residence was one of the "very important" tasks they completed, an honor that belonged to Wang Hua, who was affectionately known as "Mr. Real Estate Consultant" at the time - a title unprecedented in the diplomatic community. "I grew up in Paris and I speak French very well. In less than two months we looked at 101 houses."

　　Eventually, they acquired a Normandy-style thatched cottage in Neuilly-sur-Seine from a wealthy American lady, Mme Liptman. "To this day, all the ambassadors think this house is very good." Wang Hua said. Today, the house remains the only cottage-style house among the many villas in the area.

　　In addition to administrative work, various other tasks also fell on young Wang Hua. For example, in 1964 Maurice Thorez, general secretary of the French Communist Party (PCF), died. “Although we did not always agree with the views of the PCF, he was an important figure for us. He died. At that time, we notified the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the committee decided to send a wreath 'dedicated to Comrade Maurice Torres.'" Wang Hua went to a flower shop on Rue de Caumartin and bought a 2-meter-long wreath. A wide wreath and a total of 450 red roses were ordered. This number symbolizes 450 million, "this was the population of China at that time." Wang Hua explained.

　　Wang Hua worked in the embassy until 1966, and was later recalled to the country. In Beijing, he continued to receive world leaders: former French President Pompidou, former Algerian President Boumedienne, and Sr. Trudeau in 1973. (Pierre Trudeau, the 15th Canadian Prime Minister)... In 1976, he was sent to France again to take charge of cultural and sports affairs. Finally, he left the embassy at the end of 1980 and returned to China to start his own business.

　　"When I left, French businessmen came to me: 'We will miss you. Can you help us? We started with 8 people and created the first private enterprise in Beijing (Author's note: China's first private enterprise in Shanghai ). I am responsible for the European business and have served as a space company in China for BNP Paribas, BNP Paribas, Arianespace (the world’s first commercial launch service provider) and other aerospace companies. Management consultant. I sold a lot of things, including the first eight Airbus aircraft, radio navigation equipment, and helped BNP Paribas open five representative offices in China..." Wang Hua said.

　　In recognition of Wang Hua's long career spanning two cultures, French President Macron awarded him the French Legion of Honor Officer on December 31, 2018. (over)