French nuclear development and perceptions of China’s cutting-edge science and technology development (1950–1970)

The year 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China in 1964 has been called the “nuclear explosion” of the China’s diplomacy because of the milestone in China’s cutting-edge science and technology development in the same year. After the World War II, France sought to regain its status as a great power through its independence in nuclear science and technology research, and to challenge the monopoly of the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, in this field during the Cold War. Due to the similar situation and development path, China has become France’s “ally” in this international political issue. Relying on France’s own experience in nuclear science and technology research and related force building, France’s interpretation for China’s cutting-edge science and technology development is different from that of the United States and Japan. Although there were big differences between French analysis and China’s situation at that time, France recognized the great progress of China’s science and technology. On the other hand, China’s self-reliance and self-strengthening in the cutting-edge science and technology provided France with strong political support to challenge the bipolar system of the Cold War.