As the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France approaches in 2024, renowned French Sinologist Joel Bellassen reflects on the profound cultural and personal impact of the deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"Without the establishment of China-France ties in 1964, I would probably not be in this position today," said Bellassen, who has been involved in Chinese language education and outreach for almost five decades.

Key milestones in the cultural relationship include the first student exchanges of 1964 and the addition of Chinese to the French national baccalaureate just four years later, which demonstrated bilateral commitment even in the early phases of the relationship.