Relics bolster ties between China, France

President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron have respectively written a preface to an exhibition of Chinese cultural relics from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), highlighting the role cultural exchanges play in China-France ties.

The exhibition, titled Tang China — A Cosmopolitan Dynasty (7th-10th Century), was inaugurated at the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris on Monday.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, Xi said that during his visit to France in May, the two sides reached an agreement to hold an exhibition of artifacts from the Tang Dynasty at the museum.

The president said he was pleased to see the exhibition was launched as scheduled.

The Tang Dynasty was the most prosperous dynasty in China's history, with its culture influencing other parts of Asia and spreading to Europe through the Silk Road, he said, adding its artistic achievements, such as poetry, painting, and gold and silverware, have been praised by people to this day.

Xi said he believes the exhibition will allow French and European audiences to obtain a more vivid understanding about the splendor, confidence and openness of the Tang Dynasty, as well as the distinctive charm of the Chinese civilization.

Both the Chinese and French nations enjoy a long history and splendid culture, and the two peoples have long appreciated and been attracted to each other, he said, adding friendly exchanges between the two countries date back a long time.

Xi called for both sides to seek inspiration from history and culture, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in the field of humanities, and deepen cooperation on cultural heritage protection to build a more solid and vigorous China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

Macron, for his part, said the exhibition is held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the Year of Culture and Tourism between the two countries, which was launched in January.

The Tang Dynasty holds a special status in the history of Chinese civilization, featuring brilliant culture and incredible creativity, he said.

The exhibition is of historic significance and demonstrates once again the vitality of cultural exchanges between the two countries, which will continue to play an important part in the development of bilateral ties, he added.

The exhibition, directed by the Chinese National Cultural Heritage Administration and the French Ministry of Culture, displays more than 200 sets of artifacts from 32 cultural institutions and museums in China.

wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn