China-France dialogue held in Paris to promote mutual exchange

A China-France dialogue was held in Paris on April 30 to promote mutual learning and exchange between the two countries.

The dialogue, guided by China International Communications Group (CICG) and organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG, drew over 80 experts and scholars from Chinese and French governments, academia, publishing groups, and cultural and artistic fields.

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

CICG Vice President Yu Tao said in his speech that China and France are expected to set an example for the world in terms of mutual respect, open cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity between major countries. He stated that the two countries should maintain open and inclusive cultural exchange based on mutual learning, deepen bilateral cooperation in culture, art, media, education, tourism, and other fields, and jointly safeguard a diverse and harmonious global cultural ecosystem.

Philippe Couperie-Eiffel, president of the Association of Friends of Gustave Eiffel, delivers a speech at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Philippe Couperie-Eiffel, president of the Association of Friends of Gustave Eiffel, said that the Eiffel Tower is an important symbol of France's heritage and represents dialogue and peace. He said this iconic structure can help strengthen communication and deepen the friendship between China and France. The designer of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel, generously donated the intellectual property to the world, embodying a noble humanistic spirit. In an era of artificial intelligence - when humanistic values are more precious than ever - China and France should join hands in pursuit of this spirit, to further promote mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

Participants from China and France deliver speeches at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

During the thematic exchange session, participants held discussions on topics of cultural diversity and dialogue among civilizations, historical memories, and peaceful development.

Experts from China and France speak during a roundtable discussion at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

During their visit to France, the CICG delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in France and the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO to gather feedback on CICG's international communication efforts. They also toured the library of the French School of the Far East to learn about developments in regional studies and the collection of China-themed publications, and visited the Librairie Le Phénix in Paris.