“The 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations Evolving Cities : Beijing & Paris” ExhibitionShowcasing the History and Cultural Exchanges between China and France

July 2, 2024 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) will hold the “The 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris” exhibition from July 6 to August 4, on the 46th floor of Central Plaza. The exhibition is free of charge.

DAB Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Liaison Committee, The Hon Holden Chow, who is in charge of steering the exhibition, said that the opening ceremony of the exhibition will be held in the afternoon of 6 July.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, representative from the French Consulate General in Hong Kong, and representative from the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR will serve as officiating guests.

Holden Chow noted that the exhibition will showcase over 80 exhibits, revisiting the old landscapes of Beijing and Paris and the cultural exchanges between China and France through Beijing antique maps, Chinese historical photographs, Paris antique maps, French historical photographs, and an antique music box of Napoleon IV.

Among the exhibits, there is Chinese map jointly drawn by French missionaries such as Joachim Bouvet and Chinese astronomical and geographical officials, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Other exhibits showcase how French missionaries delved into the Chinese ancient masterpiece "Classic of Changes" （易經）as early as the 17th century, and the significant contributions of the Classic of Changes to French scientist and his published research paper subsequently in the early 18th century.

France was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Against the backdrop of the Cold War at that time, this especially highlighted the wisdom, vision of the leaders of both countries.

The exhibition also displays a timeline of major events in Sino-French diplomatic relations, the joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, excerpts from leaders' speeches, and other content, allowing visitors to understand the major milestones in Sino-French diplomatic relations. Sino-French relations have always been playing a leading role in promoting mutual recognition of global civilizations, and is always at the forefront of diplomatic relations between China and Western countries.

Holden Chow added that coinciding with the Olympics being held in Paris this year, the exhibition also displays historical photographs/news clippings of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, allowing everyone to relive the grand event of Beijing's successful hosting of the Olympics and also wishing the Paris Olympics a complete success.

Since the latest reform of the DAB, "Connecting the World" has been one of our key mission. By organizing this exhibition, the DAB hopes to showcase the history and cultural exchanges between China and France to Hong Kong people, international visitors, and foreigners residing in Hong Kong through Hong Kong's status as an international cultural center.

The exhibition will be held during the summer vacation. Holden Chow welcomed parents to bring their children to pay a visit to the exhibition, the exhibtion also serves a purpose of national education.

The exhibition is co-organized by the DAB and Professor Tam Siu-cheung. Holden Chow expressed his deepest gratitude to Sino Group, Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, and Swire Group for their support as co-organizers, and also extended special gratitude to Sun Hung Kai Properties, Central Plaza, and Mr. Shum Mak-ling for their support.