1. Cooperation in Science

China and France have signed Agreements on Scientific & Technological Exchanges and Cooperation, Agreement on Environmental Protection Cooperation, Agreement on Cooperation of Development and Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy, Agreement on Health & Medical Science Cooperation, Agreement on Cooperation of Research & Peaceful Use of Space. The governmental Joint Commission on Science & Technology was set up to hold Sino-French annual meeting on advanced technology research plans. Up to the end of 2001, the two sides had signed a total of 1,606 contracts for introducing technologies totaling US$10.08 billion, which covered many areas such as space utilization (remote sensing technology), cooperation in nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, coal cleaning and electricity generation with wind power.

2. Cultural Cooperation

The two countries have set up governmental Mixed Commission on Culture, and signed three-year plan for cultural exchanges. The plan involves mutual exchanges of teachers, professional lectures, art performances and matches, exhibitions, film weeks and art festivals, etc.

3. Cooperation in Education

The two countries have signed Agreement on Educational Exchange & Cooperation, holding regular consultation meetings. In recent years, the two sides have had 24 educational exchange projects. The two sides exchange scholarship students every year. Up to the end of 2001, there were approximately 2,776 Chinese students studying in France and 1,057 French students studying in China. Certain universities and middle schools in both countries have set up language courses of the opposite side. China's TV and Radio also have programs on French language teaching.

4. Military Contacts

Chinese Navy Commander Shi Yunsheng in 2001 and Director of the General Equipment Department Cao Gangchuan in 2002 visited France respectively. French Chief of Staff of the Three Armed Services Jean-Pierre Kelche in 2000, Chief of Staff of the Navy Force Luc Delaunay in 2000, and Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie in 2003 paid a separate visit to China.

5. Important Documents

In March 2002, Sino-French Agreement on Cooperation in Education.

In September 2002, the Agreement Between the Chinese and French Governments on Cultural Cooperation.

(Chinese Foreign Ministry January 17, 2004)