On January 17, 2014, the press conference marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relationship was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Culture Cai Wu, and French Ambassador to China Sylvie Bermann were present and delivered speeches. More than 200 guests were present, including representatives from around 30 relevant departments of the State Council, social groups, Beijing municipal government, the French Embassy and French companies based in China, as well as the Chinese and foreign media.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the establishment of China-France diplomatic relationship is of epoch-making significance in the history of exchanges between the East and the West. For the past 50 years, China-France relations have walked through an extraordinary way, and the two countries are genuine strategic partners. According to the consensus reached between the two heads of state, the two sides will hold grand celebration for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relationship, with over 300 commemorative activities, covering more than 30 fields. It will be a comprehensive showcase of the breadth and the high level of China-France relationship. The two countries will further consolidate strategic mutual trust, strengthen strategic communications, deepen strategic cooperation, and better benefit both countries and the people all around the world with our wisdoms.

Minister of Culture Cai Wu noted that China and France represents major cultural countries in the East and the West. The profound cultural background and broad minds like resembling all rivers running into the sea have become a motive force for the two countries to carry out cultural exchanges and cooperation. As models of meeting with friends by culture and learning from each other among countries in the world, both sides will comprehensively upgrade cultural communications and cooperation through the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relationship. It will help to play a bigger role in promotion of China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and protection of cultural diversity.

Ambassador Sylvie Bermann said that the establishment of France-China diplomatic relationship is a historic and forward-looking decision made by France and China. It has strongly promoted the dialogues and exchanges among all countries around the world, as well as the diversity and multi-polarization of the world. France has always attached great importance to developing relations with China, and hopes to continue to deepen the bilateral cooperation. In 2014, the two sides will hold quite a number of commemorative events to show the vitality and colorful varieties of the friendship between the two peoples, to enhance the friendly feelings of the two peoples, getting France-China relations more deeply into peoples' heart.