Paris Became First Western Power

 France, china fete 50 years since recognition

France and China begin year-long celebrations next week to mark 50 years since Paris became the first Western power to recognize the Communist government, paving the way for Beijing global acceptance.

Both sides will highlight former French president and World War II resistance hero’s decision during the Cold War to launch full diplomatic relations, breaking ranks with the United States and other Western powers.

When there was January 27, 1964 announcement came against the backdrop of the nuclear missile crisis, the rupture between China and the Soviet Union and the Veitnam war.

Despite this, experts agree that economic ties between the Asian giant and the eurozone’s second economy remain well below potential. The French recognition came, at the opportune time for Beijing, which had split with the Soviet Union on ideological grounds and because of conflicting national interests, thereby fracturing the international communist movement.

The decision not only shook up the bipolar order at the heart of the Cold War but also was a breakthrough in the building of a multiplier world.

It is a visionary decision with respect to a great power in the making whose importance in world affairs today bears testimony to this.

By way of comparison, full diplomatic relations between China and Britain were only established in 1972 and 1979 with the US.

The celebrations include exhibition in China showcasing the works of leading French artists such as impressionist painter etc.

France is keen however to close a huge trade deficit totaling 26 billion Euros in 2012. Relations again soured after former president spiritual leader  in Poland.

In response, Chinese prime minister Wen Jiabao omitted France in his tour of Europe, his assistant foreign minister arguing that the one who tied the know should be the one who unties it.