Wybrane aspekty stosunków chińsko-francuskich w XXI wieku
Selected Aspects of Chinese-French Relations in the 21st Century

Summary/Abstract: The relationship of the People’s Republic of China with the French Republic was initiated in1964 and has been constantly evolving since then. The 21st century and the changes takingplace in the international system have contributed to the growth of China’s position in theinternational arena as a superpower, while France has been trying to maintain its dominantposition in the European Union for two decades. Both countries have a lot in common anddivide. The element that binds both countries together is their status in the UN SecurityCouncil, their ambivalent attitude to the superpower status of the United States, and themutual willingness to expand economic cooperation. Among the factors that differ Beijingand Paris, there are rivalries in Africa and the approach to human rights. This does notchange the fact that France is one of the main directions of China’s European policy andmakes it one of Beijing’s most important political and economic partners. The internationalsituation that both the Chinese and French governments have to face may contribute toa change in bilateral relations in the near future and the need for both sides to look foranother partner in the region – in Europe through China and in Asia through France.This article aims to highlight the most important aspects of Sino-French relations in the21st century, with particular emphasis on political and economic cooperation, especially inthe context of the coronavirus pandemic. Outlining these aspects in the relations betweenChina and France determines the construction of the article, which consists of threemain parts corresponding to the relevant issues. The aim of this article is also to answera number of research questions, such as: what were the most important controversialissues in Sino-French relations? Has the title of the most important politicians at the headof China and France influenced bilateral relations? Do relations with France’s changingrelations affect the international position of the PRC? Among the research materials usedin this article, Polish, English and French-language literature can be mentioned, becauseaccess to Chinese materials is extremely difficult, including their translation into otherlanguages. A number of research methods have been used to analyze this research problem,including historical analysis and description or decision method.

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