Sino FileWill French President Macron lead Europe down the New Silk Road?
The young leader looks set to carry on a French tradition of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to China
French leaders have shown remarkable foresight when it comes to China.
In the early 19th century, Napoleon predicted that “the sleeping giant’s awakening would make the whole world tremble”.
Charles de Gaulle, more than 150 years later, showed his visionary acumen when he made France the first western power to establish diplomatic relations with communist China in 1964 – in defiance of strong opposition from the United States. Georges Pompidou became the first European head of state to visit China in 1973.
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Indeed, the 40-year-old leader concluded a high-profile trip to China this week, suggesting both nations shared an ambition to play a bigger role on the world stage.