The Blue Book of France: Annual Report on Development of the French Republic (2024) was unveiled at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Oct 25.

The book was jointly released by the Faculty of French and Francophone Studies, the Centre for French Studies and the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at BFSU, the French Studies Society at the Chinese Association for European Studies (CAES), as well as the Social Sciences Academic Press (SSAP).

Book cover of the Blue Book of France: Annual Report on Development of the French Republic (2024) [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Representatives unveil the Blue Book of France: Annual Report on Development of the French Republic (2024) on Oct 25. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Ding Hao, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, said that 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, noting the significance of understanding the evolving dynamics of Europe and France in advancing the Sino-French relationship. 

He added that BFSU will leverage its strengths in language, culture and country and area studies to support European and French research in China. 

Feng Zhongping, president of the CAES, said 2024 is a landmark year for Sino-French relations. Given the increasing importance and complexity of this relationship, French research still has a long way to go, he said 

Geng Xianjia, editor-in-chief of the SSAP, extended his congratulations on the release of the blue book. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the complexity, diversity and dynamics of international relations, with solid, comprehensive content that sets a benchmark for research in this field. The book represents the forefront of Chinese scholarship in French studies, according to Geng.

Reflecting on seven years of continuous improvement, Ding Yifan, chief editor of the Annual Report on Development of the French Republic series and president of the French Studies Society at the CAES, acknowledged the critical support from academic leaders and experts, saying that the publication has presented an essential platform for learning and exchange among French studies scholars across China. 

Experts and scholars engage in discussions during the seminar on the role played by France in Europe and Sino-French relationship. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Subsequent to the book launch was a seminar on the role played by France in Europe and Sino-French relationship, which featured four sub-forums, enabling discussions on France’s domestic affairs, foreign policy, society and culture.

More than 50 experts from leading Chinese universities and research institutions, including Fudan University, Nanjing University, Wuhan University and Renmin University of China participated.