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.
