Introduction to the French Youth Visit Program

Former Chinese ambassador to France Wu Jianmin devoted his life to China’s peaceful diplomacy. Patriotic and passionate, he spared no effort to build a bridge with the world and to promote dialogues between China and the West, especially between the youths, making an extraordinary contribution to enhancing the communication and exchange between China and the world. In order to carry forward Ambassador Wu’s peaceful diplomacy and to promote public diplomacy, since its inception, Beijing Wu Jianmin Foundation (WJF) has been curating the International Youth Visit Program as a key project. In 2017, the candidates for visiting China were first selected in France in cooperation with Friends of Wu Jianmin and the Fondation Prospective et Innovation in the country. Since then, ten outstanding French youths from all fields are selected each year to participate in a two-week visit to China. They will visit different cities in China, hold dialogues with representatives from different fields to gain a further understanding of China’s economy, society, politics and culture, as well as a comprehensive and authentic understanding of China’s youths.  The purpose of this program is to help the youths from both countries to know each other, believe in rather than doubt each other, and sow the seeds of friendship for peaceful development of the two countries.

The criteria for selection are as follows: candidates must be under 35 years of age, graduate students with a master’s degree or above, young researchers, or young entrepreneurs with a clear entrepreneurial plan; and must have a good understanding of the bilateral relations between China and France. There are two parts in the selection process: the first process is written test. Eligible and willing French youth should submit a paper of around 5,000 words to the selection committee, chaired by Lan Feng, Chinese ambassador to France. Candidates who pass the written test can go on to the second process to be interviewed by the selection committee. At the end of the interviews, ten people will be selected to participate in the French Youth Visit Program hosted by WJF.

Between May 29 and June 9, 2017, the first delegation from France visited China. This was the first group of French youths to visit China under the WJF International Youth Visit Program. The delegates visited four distinct cities: Beijing, Yinchuan, Hangzhou and Shanghai, and participated in 29 activities and events. The carefully planned program gave the youths an opportunity to understand China in a comprehensive way. The visit went smoothly and achieved anticipated results.