Key points of Macron's visit to China! Deepening economic and cultural exchange between China and France is imperative.

French President Emmanuel Macron made a three-day state visit to China from April 5th to 7th. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also visited China during this time. According to the French media, a large delegation of French business leaders and artists accompanied Macron, which included the heads of major companies such as Airbus, Électricité de France, Alstom, Veolia, BNP Paribas, L'Oréal, and LVMH Group. Many artists and filmmakers also joined him, including Gong Li and her husband, famous director and world-class musician Jean-Michel Jarre. Notably, Macron also invited several Chinese artists living in France to join the delegation.

On April 6th, the leaders of China and France witnessed the signing of numerous bilateral cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, food, technology, aviation, civil nuclear energy, sustainable development, and culture.

Cultural exchange was also an important aspect of Macron's visit to China. On the afternoon of April 7th, he visited Sun Yat-sen University, and later that day he had a non-formal meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Song Yuan Garden in Guangzhou. President Xi emphasized the importance of understanding China's history to understand modern-day China, and highlighted Guangzhou's role in China's democratic revolution and reform and opening up.

After the visit, Macron took to Twitter in Chinese, French, and English to express his admiration for French-Chinese friendship. He wrote in French for French people, in Chinese for Chinese people, and in English for the rest of the world. He said, "From Beijing to Guangzhou, I met French language students, enthusiastic and ambitious young people, innovative entrepreneurs, and artists inspired by French culture. We have a bright future together. Long live Franco-Chinese friendship!"

With a background of China's growing strength, the century-old friendship between France and China is becoming stronger in terms of cultural, educational and economic exchanges.

At the informal meeting in Guangzhou, the leaders of China and France listened to a performance of "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" by the famous Chinese guqin player Li Pengpeng while enjoying tea. "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" comes from an ancient Chinese historical anecdote. Legend has it that Bo Ya, a qin player in ancient times, played the qin in a desolate mountain and was heard by woodcutter Zhong Ziqi. Zhong Ziqi recognized the music evoke "mountainous grandeur" and "flowing water." Bo Ya was shocked and exclaimed, "Wonderful! Your heart and mine beat in unison." After Zhong's death, Bo Ya lost his musical soulmate and smashed his qin, never to play again. This story has come to symbolize close friendships and understanding, and the music is considered to be a masterpiece of Chinese music.

As individuals find kindred spirits, it is also hoped that nations can enhance communications and forge ahead hand in hand.