On February 9, 2009, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries held a symposium marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties in Beijing. Former Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin addressed the symposium respectively.

In an address to the symposium, Tang Jiaxuan briefly reviewed the positive development achieved in bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France 45 years ago. He pointed out that despite ups and downs and difficulties in the development of bilateral relations over the past 45 years, the ties can maintain stable, sound development so long as the two countries view and handle their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective. He said both sides should observe the fundamental principles of mutual respect, equality, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and respect and consideration for the core interests and concerns of each other, and properly handle differences. Tang emphasized that maintaining sound political ties and mutual political trust is key to pushing forward bilateral pragmatic cooperation in all areas. Currently China-France relations are at a crucial stage. "I hope France can attach great importance to the core concerns of China, taking concrete and effective actions and creating conditions for the relationship to return to the normal track as early as possible and for the resumption and development of China-France relations to benefit both countries and their peoples.”

In his speech, Raffarin said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have engaged in sound and fruitful cooperation on politics, economy, trade and culture. The building of comprehensive strategic partnership is in the common interest of both sides. France cherishes the friendship with China and respects China’s sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity. Raffarin said his country admires the Chinese people’s courage and wisdom and is ready to continue carrying out dialogue and cooperation with China from a long-term perspective. He noted France attaches importance to China's major concerns and is ready to properly address problems through dialogue based on mutual respect and work for the early resumption of normal France- China relations. France hopes to work with China to promote EU-China cooperation, cope with the global financial crisis and build a multi-polar world, said Raffarin.

The symposium was chaired by Chen Haosu, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Over 80 people from all walks of life of the two countries including Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Hui, Vice-President of France's National Assembly Marc Laffineur and French Ambassador to China Hervé Ladsous attended the symposium.