Charles de Gaulle's decision is formalized during the Council of Ministers meeting of January 8, 1964. The General He presents his arguments in favor of France recognizing the People's Republic of China:« China is a gigantic thing. It is there. Living as if it did not exist is being blind, all the more so since it is becoming more and more real. Furthermore, this recognition is part of the policy of national independence and of France’s assertion on the international stage, as he stated at the end of the deliberations of the Council of Ministers. On January 27, 1964, France and China announced in a communiqué that they were establishing diplomatic relations and would exchange ambassadors within three months.
To celebrate this event, Ambassador Lu Shaye, whose mission in France is coming to an end soon, had invited a group of prestigious guests involved in the Franco-Chinese bilateral relationship.. Twelve particularly representative and active French citizens in the long-standing bilateral relationship (in terms of culture or language) have been distinguished by the award of an honorary distinction.
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