Establishment of Sino-French Diplomatic Relations

In 1958, the Fifth Republic was established in France and General de Gaulle was back in office, pursued an independent foreign policy and attached greater importance to enhancing relations with China. Authorized by General de Gaulle, former French Premier Edgar Faure came to China in October 1963, carrying with him a hand-written letter from the General and on behalf of the General, he would discuss Sino-French relations with Chinese leaders. Premier Zhou Enlai and Foreign Minister Chen Yi held talks with Me. Faure who said that President de Gaulle hoped to hold talks with the Chinese leaders on relations between the two countries and that the General wanted him to conduct talks with the Chinese leaders on his behalf; quite a lot of problems have been caused by the fact that France did not at first recognize the People?s Republic of China and maintained, instead, relations with Chiang Kai-shek; now, if China is willing to negotiate with France the question of establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations, France, will make its decision independently, regardless of other countries? opinions. Premier Zhou said that General de Gaulle has taken some courageous steps to safeguard the national independence and state sovereignty of France since he came to power several years ago. Some big powers may not be happy about it, but we feel that this is the way a country should act. At the same time, the question of Algeria which remained unsolved for many years has now been settled according to the will of national self-determination of Algeria, and France has recognized the country?s independence. This is a good thing. Premier Zhou further added that France does not accede to the partial nuclear test ban treaty and China is also opposed to the treaty. Though the two sides did not exchange views on this matter in advance, their actions have turned out to be the same. This is because both China and France want to maintain their independence and sovereignty and each is opposed to any foreign interference or encroachment. We both hold that the international community should maintain world peace and must not allow a few big powers to monopolize international affairs. Premier Zhou stressed the common ground existing between China and France and believed that the time was ripe for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Mr. Faure agreed with this view.

As for the specific approach to the establishment of diplomatic relations, Mr. Faure said that France was ready to recognize the People?s Republic of China and the fact that there was only one China, but it hoped that China would not insist on France taking the initiative to sever its diplomatic relations with Taiwan first. To this, Premier Zhou replied: when it comes to the question of Taiwan, there can be two different kinds of situation. One involves the view that ?the status of Taiwan remains undetermined?, which is indeed no small matter as it may lead to the creation of ?two Chinas?. The other shows that the question is regarded as a complicated one with the exchange of embassies and consulates between the Chiang Kai-shek clique and France, so certain procedures need to be adopted to end such relations; in that case, the problem is not a very serious one. Mr. Faure confirmed that France was faced with the second kind of situation.