In 1964, China and France announced the beginning of their diplomatic relations. China gladly affirmed that France was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the new People's Republic of China. Thus, the first air connection with China was opened, the establishment of centers for Chinese culture was approved, and the first faculty for the Chinese language in a Western country was authorized. And yet, the relationship was not always only positive. In the 21st century, for example, the Sino-French relationship faces new challenges. In view of the power struggle between the USA and China in the Indo-Pacific, France fears for its influence on New Caledonia, and thus to be pushed to the margins. That's because New Caledonia is home to 25 percent of the world's nickel reserves - the gold of the 21st century. The AUKUS military alliance was supposed to limit China's power in the Indo-Pacific, but on New Caledonia it achieves the exact opposite and lies heavily on the China-France relationship. In the current boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics, France chooses to send its athlete:s to China. From emissions trading to sanctions & the Indo-Pacific conflict to the anti-Huawei law & CAI - current China-France news in from the Table.editor!
Macron's election victory: triumph and warning signal
The incumbent has won the runoff election by a surprisingly clear margin. There is great relief in the EU and NATO over the defeat of the far-right Marine Le Pen. However, the extent of the French president's wriggle room will not be decided until June.
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