French President Jacques Chirac summed up the mixed success of his trade mission and charm offensive in China by repeating the words of the late paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping.
'He told me: 'Never forget, Mr Chirac, in China, time is longer than elsewhere',' the veteran European statesman said. 'And I have drawn much inspiration from this profound thought.'
His remarks in Hong Kong yesterday followed a controversial visit to the mainland, where US$5 billion worth of contracts and pressure to lift a European Union arms embargo overshadowed criticism of Mr Chirac's failure to press for improvements to human rights in China. The French delegation also failed to seal a hoped-for deal to supply high-speed trains.
Mr Chirac and his entourage flew back to Paris last night after a seven-hour visit to Hong Kong - the first official visit to the city by a French leader - on the final leg of his two-week Asian tour of Singapore, Vietnam and China.
The tour was to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Mr Chirac last night dined with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa at an official function at Government House. He said: 'I am delighted to be in this fascinating and astonishing city ... indeed, a gateway open into China.'