Nov 1-5, 2001, Vice President Hu Jintao visited France. The two agreed that under the current international situation, the strengthening of consultation and cooperation on multi-polarization and globalization, the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes were urgent, and the two countries would further expand exchanges and cooperation in economics, trade, science and technology, culture and education.

Nov 29, 2002, the Chinese Cultural Center was established in Paris. It’s the first cultural center China opened in the West.. The same day, Vice Premier Li Lanqing, who was visiting France, signed the “People’s Republic of China and French Republic on the Establishment of Cultural Centers and Its Status Agreement.”

Sept 26-28, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji paid a second visit to France. During the visit, the two countries signed the “Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between the China and France.”

April 25-26, 2003, Prime Minister Jean - Pierre Raffarin visited China. Although China was in the midst of the dangerous “SARS” epidemic, Raffarin still insisted on visiting and expressed sincere support to China as the country fought against the disease.

Premier Wen Jiabao welcomes French Prime Minister Jean - Pierre Raffarin at the square of Great Hall of the People, April 25, 2003.