Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sichuan University in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, as part of his three-day state visit to the Chinese mainland, which wrapped up last Friday.
In a lively speech on campus, Macron stressed the power of cooperation 🤝 and mutual understanding to tackle contemporary global challenges. He noted that humanity is undergoing a profound shift in habits, lifestyles and landscapes, and urged everyone to work together and engage in collective reflection to find practical solutions for urgent issues like the climate crisis 🌱.
“We have the capacity to go beyond borders and build a shared agenda for peace, prosperity and climate,” Macron said, highlighting a spirit of respect and responsibility that can drive humanity forward 🌍.
Over the years, Sichuan University has deepened its academic bonds with top institutions in France, including the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Paris Nanterre University, University of Toulouse and the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations. These partnerships fuel student exchanges, joint research projects and cultural dialogues.
Fun fact: Since 1981, Chengdu and Montpellier have been sister cities—the very first link of its kind between France and China!
After his address, Macron joined French paddlers at the 2025 ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu for a friendly table tennis match 🏓, celebrating sportsmanship and cultural exchange.
From campus halls to the ping-pong tables, Macron’s visit underscored a simple message: by knowing one another and working side by side, we can build a brighter, greener future together.
Reference(s):
Macron urges cooperation, mutual understanding at Chinese university
cgtn.com
