From 'Oui' to 'Yes!' 🌟 Today marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between China and France – a partnership blending croissants and dumplings into a recipe for global cooperation. At the heart of this story? Lyon, France’s cultural gem, where the Franco-Chinese Institute has quietly shaped history since 1921.
When Lyon Became a Bridge
Imagine 1920s France training China’s brightest minds in science and philosophy 🎓. That’s exactly what happened at the original Franco-Chinese Institute, which alumni later called a 'friendship forge.' Fast-forward to 2014: The New Franco-Chinese Institute reignites this legacy, focusing on tech startups, student exchanges, and sustainable tourism.
'We’re not just celebrating 60 years of diplomacy – we’re reviving a century of trust,' says Alain Labat, the institute’s VP, in a new video interview. 'Lyon is where French engineers brainstorm with Chinese AI innovators.'
What’s Cooking in 2024?
From joint lunar research projects to TikTok-friendly cultural festivals 🚀🎪, collaboration is booming. French wine exporters are teaming up with Chinese e-commerce giants, while Lyon’s museums digitize artifacts for virtual reality tours in Shanghai.
As Labat puts it: 'The next chapter? Think less 'East meets West,' more 'global power duo.''
