Amid the rising tide of globalization, dialogue between civilizations has never ceased. China and France—two nations with long histories and rich cultural traditions—have, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, upheld the founding principles of independence, mutual understanding, long-term vision, and win-win cooperation. Across political, economic, and cultural spheres, their cooperation has been both deep and fruitful. The steady stream of outcomes from China-France pragmatic cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both peoples, while injecting greater stability and positive energy into the world.

Within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership, people-to-people exchanges have continued to nourish the foundations of friendship between the two countries. In the new era, educational cooperation between China and France has flourished, with growing numbers of young French people crossing continents to study in China, injecting fresh momentum into shared development. The story of Youngs Charlie, a young Franco-British man studying in China, began with a search for ancient Eastern wisdom—and has gradually evolved into a vision of building bridges of mutual understanding and trust between the youth of the two countries.

Drawn to the East: From Philosophical Seeking to the Call of Studying in China

Charlie’s connection with China began with a personal search for the meaning of life. A graduate in cinematography, he once aspired to pursue a career in the film industry. Yet faced with fierce competition in Europe’s film sector and the high cost of living, he found himself uncertain about the future. In early 2024, under the guidance of a teacher, Charlie was introduced to ancient Chinese philosophy. “The emphasis on balance, harmony, and inner calm deeply resonated with me,” he recalled. “It opened an entirely new way of looking at both the world and myself.”

Around the same time, a chance online encounter opened another door to Chinese culture: a Chinese learner of French invited him to study Chinese. “I was already interested in Taoist philosophy, which originated in China,” Charlie said. “So I felt this wasn’t a coincidence, but a kind of calling.”

Driven by curiosity, he began learning Chinese and reading widely about the country. In his early imagination, China was a land of mystery—an ancient civilization whose long traditions remained vibrantly alive. That sense of fascination gradually turned into a strong desire to understand China more deeply.

Before formally coming to study in China, Charlie had visited the country four times, traveling to Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Lijiang, Guilin, Chongqing, and Shanghai. Each journey deepened his understanding of—and emotional connection to—the land. Among all the cities he visited, Lijiang left the strongest impression. During a trip there, he happened to meet a local elderly man who vividly explained the Taoist concept of “following nature.” That conversation transformed philosophical ideas he had encountered in books into a lived experience. Deeply moved, Charlie decided to stay an extra night. Beneath a star-filled sky, he practiced tai chi and meditation with the old man, experiencing the serenity and depth of the idea of harmony between humanity and nature through slow movements and deep breathing. That encounter allowed him to truly feel the enduring appeal of ancient Chinese philosophy.

“Every time I come to China, I feel a kind of happiness I’ve never experienced before,” Charlie said. The freshness he felt here was unlike anything he had encountered in other countries. These experiences ultimately led him to decide to come to China to systematically study Chinese, taking the first step toward putting down longer-term roots.

During his life and studies in China, what struck Charlie most was the warmth between people. “Everyone I’ve met here has been kind and willing to help,” he noted. Whether studying and living with classmates on campus or chatting with locals on the street, he consistently felt sincerity and openness. This inclusive social atmosphere gave him a strong sense of belonging. “China feels like home,” he said sincerely.

Immersive Experience: Understanding China Through the Harmony of Tradition and Modernity

After studying Chinese in a structured way in Guangzhou and immersing himself in local life, Charlie’s understanding of China deepened significantly. What surprised him most was the unique harmony between traditional wisdom and modern dynamism—a model he believes offers valuable insights for global development.

On one hand, he became fascinated by the subtleties of Chinese culture. While learning Chinese characters, he marveled at their pictographic logic and expressive depth: “Every radical and every character carries profound cultural meaning, reflecting both aesthetic beauty and internal logic.” Practicing calligraphy, the controlled movements of brush and ink brought him calm and focus. Chinese martial arts, with their emphasis on balance in every movement, also helped him grasp a broader philosophy of life—one that values both effort and alignment with nature.
“These ideas resonate strongly with France’s respect for philosophical reflection and artistic aesthetics,” he said, noting that the two traditions seemed to engage in a meaningful dialogue across space and time.

On the other hand, Charlie was equally impressed by China’s vibrant development momentum. From transportation networks to digital lifestyles, China’s convenience and efficiency exceeded his expectations. He watched a high-rise building emerge across from his residence in just a few months, a vivid illustration of China’s rapid infrastructure development. He experienced autonomous driving, cashless payments, instant delivery services, and service robots—scenes he described as “life from the future.” High-speed rail networks and affordable, efficient transportation further reinforced his impression that “living in China is incredibly convenient.”

“What’s remarkable is not just the speed of development,” Charlie observed, “but the fact that China continues to safeguard its traditions while pursuing efficiency.” He noted that the popularity of hanfu among young people is not a nostalgic performance, but a confident expression of cultural identity; that opera and tea culture are not mechanically preserved, but creatively adapted to modern aesthetics; and that traditional festivals continue to thrive in contemporary life. “Europe sometimes hesitates between preserving tradition and embracing change,” he reflected, “while China shows a more confident ability to integrate the two—embracing the future without losing its roots.”

In Charlie’s view, China’s dialectical approach to development and heritage not only offers a distinctly Chinese path to modernization, but also demonstrates how ancient civilizations can continue to evolve in the modern world. Here, efficiency and poetry, innovation and tradition, coexist in a vivid and harmonious way.

Youthful Aspirations: Finding Direction in a New Chapter of China–France Cooperation

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, cooperation between China and France has continued to expand in scope and resilience. In 2025, France ranked as China’s third-largest trading partner and third-largest source of actual investment within the EU, while China became France’s largest trading partner in Asia and seventh-largest globally. Strategic cooperation has steadily expanded from traditional sectors such as aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy into emerging fields including the green economy, digital economy, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence. France’s strengths in aerospace, nuclear energy, high-end consumer goods, and agricultural products complement China’s complete industrial chains, rich application scenarios, and rapidly growing market demand. This win-win, pragmatic cooperation has underpinned the steady progress of the China–France comprehensive strategic partnership.

“The spirit of China–France diplomatic relations—mutual understanding and win-win cooperation—not only guides strategic collaboration, but also translates into real benefits for ordinary people through deepening economic ties,” Charlie said, drawing on his own observations. “French agricultural products and premium goods are reaching Chinese households, while Chinese electronics and smart manufacturing products are enriching choices for French consumers.” This, he noted, is a vivid example of diplomatic principles becoming tangible everyday benefits.

Charlie also pays close attention to China’s path toward green development. In both cities and rural areas, solar panels, electric vehicles, and wind power are becoming increasingly common. “China is taking decisive steps toward ecological transformation by expanding hydropower, wind power, and solar energy,” he said. “This is not only essential for addressing climate change, but also offers a positive model for green, low-carbon development—especially for developing countries.” China’s commitment to sustainability alongside economic growth, he added, is deeply impressive.

Looking ahead, Charlie is optimistic about China-France cooperation in areas such as green energy and technological innovation. “There is real potential for collaboration in the electric vehicle sector,” he noted. “China has strengths in battery technology and industrial chains, while France brings deep experience in design and high-end manufacturing. With stronger joint R&D and market openness, global green mobility could become a reality much sooner.” For him, the younger generation should move beyond zero-sum thinking and engage constructively in international cooperation.

As his understanding of China continues to deepen, Charlie has also clarified the role he hopes to play in the future: a bridge for cultural exchange between China, France and United Kingdom. True cultural exchange, he believes, requires two-way experience and understanding. He encourages more young people from around the world to come and experience China firsthand. “If you really want to understand China,” he said, “you need to live here and feel it for yourself.”

“Coming to China was one of the best decisions of my life,” Charlie reflected. He plans to pursue a career in education or cultural creation after graduation—introducing the essence of French culture to Chinese friends while sharing a comprehensive, authentic, and multidimensional image of China with family and friends in Europe. “As international youth, our generation carries the responsibility of connecting civilizations and deepening mutual understanding,” he said. In his view, social media has brought the world closer than ever before, offering unprecedented platforms for young people to engage in cross-cultural exchange. He hopes to use short videos and other new media formats to share glimpses of his life in China with a global audience.

From an early fascination with Eastern philosophy to grounded study and life on Chinese soil, Charlie’s journey reflects a broader trend among a new generation of international youth “looking East.” As mutual learning among civilizations becomes a shared aspiration and openness becomes a common value, young people can cross mountains and seas, finding belonging through understanding and dialogue—and building a better future together. Alongside countless like-minded peers, Youngs Charlie is helping to write a new chapter of people-to-people connectivity and shared destiny.（Outlook New Era）