June 1-3, 2003, President Hu Jintao went to France to participate in the informal dialogue of national leaders in Evian, outside the G8 summit, and met separately with President Jacques Chirac.

Oct 6, 2003, China held the first cultural year in France.

Jan 2004, President Hu Jingtao visited France and the two countries signed a joint announcement and established a comprehensive strategic partnership. France was the first western country to have such a partnership with China.

President Hu Jingtao and French President Chirac signed a China-France joint announcement at Elysee Palace Jan 27, 2004.