From Gao Jiawei
In 1964, France became the first major Western nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, marking 60 years of relations this year. Sino-French relations have since led the way in China’s engagement with the West, fostering global peace and stability. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France in May at the invitation of President Macron clearly displays the enduring friendship between the two countries.
As key players from Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a long-standing history of interaction. The two countries have engaged in regular economic and cultural exchanges since the 17th century, creating in the meantime waves of mutual understanding and learning that reached from the royal courts to everyday people.
From the late 17th to the 18th century, the prosperous development of new maritime routes to the Far East strengthened the connections between Europe and China.
Under the “Sun King” Louis XIV, France expanded its territory and saw a thriving cultural renaissance. Meanwhile, China enjoyed its final pre-republican peak of glory in the “Kang-Qian Golden Age,” lasting over 100 years. As two major powers situated at opposite ends of Eurasia, the two nations viewed each other with both admiration and curiosity.
Friendship between Louis XIV and Kangxi
In the mid-17th century, Louis XIV initiated the selection of “learned scholars” from France to explore China’s rich culture and thriving society. By 1685, six missionaries chosen by the French Academy as “Mathematicians to the King” set out for China. Despite the challenges they faced on the journey and with one missionary staying behind in Siam for missionary work, the remaining five arrived in Beijing in 1688.
Among the five missionaries, Zhang Cheng (张诚), originally known by his French name Jean-François Gerbillon, and Bai Jin (白晋), whose French name was Joachim Bouvet, were chosen to stay at the imperial court. There, they were entrusted with teaching Kangxi, the Qing Emperor, various scientific subjects including mathematics and astronomy. Their expertise earned them great respect and appreciation from the emperor.
In 1693, Kangxi appointed Bai Jin as “Qincha”(钦差)， which was the role of an official envoy that represented the authority of the Qing Emperor, and sent him back to Europe to recruit new missionaries for China. Accompanying him were valuable gifts from Kangxi to the French king and a collection of 49 volumes of Chinese books.
After a journey spanning nearly four years, filled with trials and tribulations, Bai Jin finally arrived back in Paris. He brought with him not only lavish gifts from Emperor Kangxi but also a meticulously crafted report, which was Bai Jin’s detailed account of Kangxi’s reign and the state of affairs in China.
When presented to Louis XIV, this report, titled “Portrait historique de l’Empereur de la Chine” (Historical Portrait of the Emperor of China), captured the imagination of Europe. Its publication stirred great interest and excitement, sparking widespread discussions and making waves across the continent.
From 1687 to 1773, Jesuit missionaries in China authored 353 pieces of Sinology-related works, totaling 55 authors. French Jesuits made up 64% of these authors and contributed to 83% of the works. This established French Jesuits as the primary source of Chinese knowledge in Europe, making France the 18th-century European hub for demystifying China.
Exchanges in art and science between China and France
As China and France became more acquainted, Chinese crafts also found their way into collections of the French court and nobility. In March of 1698, the merchant ship “Amphitrite” set sail from the bustling port of La Rochelle in southwestern France, crossing vast oceans to reach the port of Guangzhou, China. Two years later, the “Amphitrite” completed its historic voyage back to France. On board was a treasure trove of Chinese goods, including exquisite porcelain, intricately crafted lacquerware, and elegant tableware.
Following this, Chinese goods made their debut at auctions in France, with silk being granted permission for sale. Chinese products quickly became talk of the town in the country, leading to the creation of the term “le lachinage” which reflects this Chinese craze or fascination.
As Chinese tea, porcelain, garden architecture and Confucian philosophy gained popularity in Europe, modern science from the West also started to make its way into China.
Following Zhang Cheng’s advice, Emperor Kangxi directed land surveys and the creation of a national map of China from 1709 to 1718. Seven of the nine missionaries involved in the project were French.
Bai Jin and Zhang Cheng translated and compiled a Manchu version of a medical book based on European medical writings. This book not only introduced popular Western medicines of the time but also delved into the causes, pathology, and treatment methods for diseases such as the plague, smallpox, and gastrointestinal issues.
Furthermore, highly accurate modern instruments like pocket watches, telescopes and levels also made their way into the royal family of Qing.
The close exchanges between China and France from the 17th to the 18th century ushered in a new phase of mutual understanding. China encountered Western science, while Europe, with influence from Eastern culture, embarked on its own “cultural debate” — the Enlightenment movement.
Across vast mountains and oceans, China and France have built a deep connection through ongoing efforts to better understand each other. This relationship has created a unique chapter in global history, blending mutual discovery with cultural enrichment. As we reflect on this history today, it continues to inspire and shape our shared future. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
Gao Jiawei, a reporter and commentator with CGTN Radio based in Beijing, focusing on international relations and China’s economy.
