Second sexagenary

This year marks the beginning of a new 60-year cycle of friendly relations between France and China

As I write these lines, my thoughts turn to a distinguished man who 60 years ago predicted a great destiny for China, ahead of all others. I am referring, of course, to General Charles de Gaulle, whom we must salute with great consideration for his visionary spirit. As president of the France-China Friendship Group in the National Assembly, I am committed to perpetuating his legacy, his sinophilia and his profound interest in China.

For my part, my interest in China goes back a long way, although I only began to explore this vast country in recent years. In reality, it is a passion for Taoism that has spanned 40 years and led me, once I became a deputy, to join this friendship group, the most important in the National Assembly. Initially, I served as vice-president for two terms, and now, for the past year, as president. As a young doctor searching for a complementary approach to Western medicine, I discovered Taoism, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, which I have been practicing for 35 years.

But that is not the only reason for my interest in China. The second reason lies in the very nature of my original political commitment, in favor of ecology. Ecology naturally leads to global and international reflection that encompasses all five continents and the global population. In other words, I have always believed that ecological solutions for the planet could only come about if China and its 1.4 billion inhabitants became major players in this cause. I must say how greatly relieved I am to see China is committed to climate action, notably by joining the Paris Agreement, at a time when the United States was moving away from it during the Donald Trump presidency.

The friendship group brings together parliamentarians who wish to develop friendly relations with their Chinese counterparts in the National People's Congress, to deepen mutual understanding within the framework of what is known as "parliamentary diplomacy".

This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France and the end of a 60-year cycle, known as jiazi in Chinese, of friendship, and we know how significant and laden with meaning this number is in Chinese and Taoist culture. Above all, we are opening a new promising cycle for our two nations — a cycle of friendship and affection, creativity and engagement for the international community.

Our two countries can boast of our great history and immense culture, which elicit mutual admiration. We share a constant desire to deepen our relations, mutual understanding, exchanges and friendship between our two peoples. Thanks to this mindset and our common history, as well as the unique role of each of our two countries in the concert of nations, China and France, two balancing powers, can play a moderating and appeasing role in a tumultuous world.

Our two countries can also engage the international community to address global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity, health, development and global finance. Finally, the reciprocal economic interests of our countries must be strengthened to bring progress to our respective peoples, while seeking the best balance that takes into account the need to better regionalize our economies for more resilience and resistance to contingencies. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis have taught us this.

Let us proudly conclude this jiazi together and declare the opening of a new jiazi, based on friendship between our two countries and peoples, and the common responsibility we share to ensure the well-being of our peoples and peace in the world.

Let us seize the opportunity of this 60th anniversary to consolidate our relations and make the year of cultural tourism give it fresh impetus. Long live the new jiazi, which begins under the sign of the wooden dragon, which the Phoenix will support to find balance and righteousness, fertility and success!

The author is president of the France-China Friendship Group in France's National Assembly. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.