Jonah Patel
China and France have had a long history of interstate relations, with cultural, political, and economic exchanges dating back to the Middle Ages. Both countries have had their fair share of diplomatic successes and crises, with France's recent diplomatic endeavours in the Indo-Pacific region and China's public diplomacy efforts and use of economic power to promote its geopolitical agenda. With China's growing influence as a superpower, it is interesting to compare its public diplomacy strategies with those of established powers like France, especially in the context of their respective regional influences in Asia and Europe, and their shared status as permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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What You'll Learn
China's economic power and international influence
China's economic power is demonstrated through its ambitious initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to expand markets for Chinese goods and enhance economic connectivity with over 130 countries, covering more than 60% of the global population and one-third of global GDP. This initiative reflects China's commitment to global trade dominance and has led to concerns about "debt-trap diplomacy," where recipient countries incur significant debts to China, potentially influencing their negotiating power and creating strategic dependencies.
China's economic influence is also evident in its trade deals with the Asia-Pacific region and the European Union. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) unites China with 14 other countries, including Japan and South Korea, creating a trading block of 2.2 billion people. Additionally, the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with the EU maintains market openness for investments and offers potential for enhanced EU market access in sectors like health services, electric vehicles, and telecoms.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted China's increasing global influence, as the country recovered economically and engaged in vaccine diplomacy by providing medical aid to over 150 countries. China's rapid economic growth, large population, and military strength contribute to its ambitions as a global superpower. However, China faces challenges in addressing inequality, transitioning to environmentally sustainable growth, and evolving its role in providing a stable business environment and equitable access to public services.
In summary, China's economic power and international influence are significant and continue to shape global dynamics. The country's initiatives and trade deals reinforce its position as a dominant economic force, while its response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its capacity for global leadership. China's rise presents opportunities and challenges for other nations, and its future trajectory will have a profound impact on the international community.
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France's Indo-Pacific strategy and ASEAN support
France's Indo-Pacific strategy is driven by the potential challenges posed by China's rise and the Sino-American rivalry to its interests, influence, and status in the region. France recognises the Indo-Pacific as a potential confrontation zone and aims to influence its strategic, political, and economic evolution. This strategy involves gaining the support of other European states and redefining their relations with the United States.
France's presence in the Indo-Pacific is now accepted by India and Australia, who view the state as a major strategic partner. This acceptance can be attributed to France's substantial capacity to influence the region and the perceived benefits of partnering with France. However, these partnerships are fragile due to the possibility of France's overseas territories seeking separation and the sovereignty disputes involving neighbouring countries.
To successfully implement its Indo-Pacific strategy, France must address these challenges and reassure its partners of its benign intentions. Additionally, France needs to remind its European allies of the importance of protecting their interests in the region. This strategy aims to establish France as a significant power in the Indo-Pacific, influencing the region's future alongside other major players like the United States and China.
France's support for ASEAN is aligned with its Indo-Pacific strategy. ASEAN asserts its "centrality" in the region, positioning itself as a link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. France recognises the importance of engaging with ASEAN and respecting its consensus-based decision-making process. By doing so, France can strengthen its relations with ASEAN members and leverage these relationships to enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
In summary, France's Indo-Pacific strategy is a response to the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly the tensions between the United States and China. By building partnerships, addressing sovereignty issues, and engaging with regional organisations like ASEAN, France seeks to secure its interests and influence in the Indo-Pacific.
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Historical relations and cultural exchange
France and China have had a long history of political, cultural, and economic relations. The two countries first established official relations in 1964, and in 2004, their relationship was elevated to a "global strategic partnership".
Since then, there have been numerous state visits and exchanges between the two countries, with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, making a state visit to France in 2014, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, visiting China in 2023. These visits have helped to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and have resulted in the signing of several large-scale trade agreements. France is China's 7th largest customer and 2nd largest supplier, with over 1,100 French companies present in China, employing around 570,000 people.
In addition to economic ties, France and China have also engaged in cultural and academic exchanges. The "Croisements" festival, for example, has become the most prominent foreign festival in China, and the Franco-Chinese Cultural Forum has brought together 300 personalities from the political, cultural, and economic spheres of both countries. There is also a significant student population from both countries studying in the other, with 37,000 Chinese students in France and 10,000 French students in China.
Scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries has also been significant, particularly in the areas of infectious disease research and the space industry. The establishment of the Jinan Overseas International Communication Center in Paris in 2024 further highlighted the deep historical and cultural roots between the two countries. The center aims to strengthen Sino-French friendship, deepen cultural exchanges, and present Jinan's unique cultural heritage to the world.
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China's public diplomacy tools and state control
One of the key tools China employs is state-controlled media and international communication centres, which spread the country's ideas, values, and geopolitical ideals. This includes state-financed media outlets and collaborations or sponsorships with foreign media. China has also been known to criticize and even sanction international companies that launch communication campaigns addressing Chinese issues, using its economic power to enforce its standards and promote initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Another aspect of China's public diplomacy is its educational exchanges, particularly in higher education and vocational training tied to Chinese technology and products. Confucius Institutes, which encourage dialogue and exchange between stakeholders to co-create messages about China for foreign audiences, are also an important tool. China's public diplomacy further extends to cultural spaces, influencing film, television, sports, and the entertainment industry to shape the depiction and representation of China and its policies.
China's state control over media and the internet can make it challenging for foreign companies to address Chinese stakeholders and the public, especially during crisis situations. This control is part of a broader strategy to manage information and narratives, including through censorship, information manipulation, bots, coordinated campaigns, and the use of 'police' stationed abroad to suppress dissenting voices. China's public diplomacy seeks to integrate these tools with influence and economic cooperation to amplify its narratives and accumulate invaluable currency to weaken rivals and strengthen its position.
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France-China cooperation and shared interests
France and China have a long history of diplomatic relations, with the first French embassy in China established as early as 1698-1700 CE. The countries' relationship was elevated to a "global strategic partnership" in 2004, and they continue to cooperate across various sectors.
Economic Cooperation
France and China have strong economic ties, with France having a significant presence in China across sectors such as agrifood, industry, transport, urban development, retail, and financial services. Over 1,100 French companies operate in China, employing around 570,000 people. In recent years, Chinese investment in France has also grown, with a total of 700 subsidiaries of Chinese and Hong Kong companies established in the country, employing 45,000 people.
In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron and CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping signed a series of large-scale trade agreements worth billions of euros. These agreements covered aviation, agriculture, energy, and shipbuilding.
Academic and Cultural Exchanges
France and China also engage in academic and cultural exchanges. Around 37,000 Chinese students benefit from student mobility in France, while 10,000 French students study in China. The "Croisements" festival has become the most prominent foreign festival in China, showcasing artistic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Climate Change and Clean Energy
Both countries have expressed a commitment to tackling climate change and promoting clean energy. During Macron's visit to China in 2023, the China National Nuclear Corporation and Electricité de France Group signed an MoU to promote low-carbon development. Additionally, TotalEnergies and China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) agreed to establish a joint Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit in China, addressing the demand for sustainable aviation fuels.
International Relations
France and China have worked together on international issues, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. They have also held dialogues on strategic, economic, and financial affairs, and pledged to deepen ties in agriculture, nuclear energy, and aerospace. France has urged China to play a role in ending the Ukraine conflict by encouraging Russia to negotiate.
Challenges and Differences
Despite the positive trajectory of France-China relations, challenges and differences exist, particularly in areas such as trade, democracy, and human rights. France has emphasized the need for a level playing field for European businesses in China, while navigating de-risking strategies and minimizing supply chain risks.
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Frequently asked questions
China's public diplomacy aims to assert its geopolitical agenda and promote its initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. China also leverages its economic power to enforce its standards and influence internationally.
China has an extensive network of state actors, state-financed media, and public diplomacy instruments to propagate its ideas, values, and geopolitical ideals. It can also target foreign companies and control media debates, making it challenging for foreign companies to address Chinese stakeholders and the public.
France emphasizes neutrality and a third-path approach, promoting multilateralism and reducing concerns about relationships with major powers. France's non-participation in alliances like the Quad and AUKUS helps maintain its neutral stance.
France and China have had political, cultural, and economic relationships since the Middle Ages. There have been cultural exchanges, scientific influences, and religious interactions between the two countries. However, their relationship has also faced challenges, such as the deterioration of European opinion of China and the invasion of French Indochina.
