10th China-France Youth Leaders Forum Strengthens Bilateral Ties
The 10th China-France Youth Leaders Forum convened from May 28 to June 1, 2026, across Kunming in Yunnan Province and Beijing, bringing together more than 40 young representatives from government, business, science, technology, culture, and sports to deepen people-to-people ties between the two nations. Co-organized by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and the France-China Foundation, the milestone 10th edition underscored a decade of sustained youth diplomacy, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
A Decade of Youth Diplomacy
Founded in 2013 by CPIFA and the France-China Foundation, the forum has been held annually, alternating between China and France. It selects approximately 30 to 50 French and Chinese personalities aged 30–45 who are expected to play influential roles in their respective countries and in bilateral relations. The program includes discussion sessions, meetings with prominent figures, and visits to industrial sites and culturally significant locations, as detailed by the France China Foundation.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the forum has been held in Yunnan Province, a region renowned for its ethnic diversity, ecological richness, and rapid economic development. The choice of Yunnan reflects China’s strategy to showcase regional development beyond the traditional hubs of Beijing and Shanghai.
Theme and Discussions
Under the theme “Jointly Facing Transformation Challenges, Pursuing Sustainable Development: China-France Dialogue and Yunnan Practice,” participants engaged in sessions covering people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green economy and specialty agriculture, and ecological protection and technological innovation. According to China News Service, the opening ceremony in Kunming featured addresses by Wu Ken, President of CPIFA and head of the Chinese delegation; Wang Xueqin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province; and Nicolas Macquin, President of the France-China Foundation and head of the French delegation.
Wu Ken emphasized the importance of youth in bilateral relations, stating: “Youth are the future of the nation, and even more so, the hope of China-France relations. We look forward to youth from both countries strengthening exchanges, fully playing the role of bridges and bonds, and serving as disseminators of China-France exchanges and inheritors of bilateral friendship.”
Field Visits and Cultural Immersion
Beyond the conference room, delegates embarked on a series of field visits designed to showcase Yunnan’s unique blend of history, innovation, and culture. They toured the National Southwest Associated University (Lianda) Museum, a historic institution that operated during World War II; the Botanee Biotechnology central factory, a Yunnan-based skincare and dermatology company; the Kunming International Flower Auction and Trading Center, Asia’s largest flower market; and the Yunnan Ethnic Village, a cultural exhibition representing the province’s 25 ethnic minorities.
French youth representative Emmanuel Miguel, Managing Director of Ardian Investment, shared his impressions: “This forum left a deep impression on me. We truly experienced the vitality of China’s economic and social development, its ethnic cultural characteristics, and its scientific and educational innovation achievements. We also found many like-minded Chinese partners.”
Yunnan’s Role and Historical Ties
Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo welcomed the delegation and highlighted the province’s longstanding connections with France, which date back to the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway in 1910. As reported by Yunnan Daily, Wang expressed hope for deeper cooperation in advanced manufacturing, biomedicine, modern agriculture, and cultural tourism, stating: “Yunnan and France have a long history of exchanges. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Yunnan-France cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results.”
Kunming Medical University, founded by Chinese medical professionals who studied in France, stands as a lasting legacy of Franco-Chinese academic cooperation. Fifth-year clinical medicine student Ma Ruyu, speaking in fluent French, expressed her hope to contribute to China-France medical exchanges in the future.
Broader Implications
The forum operates as a Track II diplomatic channel, complementing official state-to-state relations between China and France. As both nations navigate a complex global landscape, youth diplomacy serves as a soft power tool, building long-term goodwill and mutual understanding. The focus on sustainable development aligns with global climate agendas where China and France have cooperated, most notably through the Paris Agreement.
Nicolas Macquin noted that Yunnan, a region known for its rapid economic and social development as well as its ecological and cultural diversity, offers unique inspiration for the youth of both countries. Marion Bertagna, Vice President and China Representative of the France-China Foundation, expressed confidence that the forum would uncover promising projects in the humanities, science and technology, and rural revitalization.
Looking Ahead
As the forum concluded in Beijing on June 1, participants returned home with strengthened networks and a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and aspirations. The 10th edition not only celebrated a decade of achievements but also laid the groundwork for the next generation of China-France cooperation. With the forum set to return to France for its 11th edition, the momentum of youth-driven diplomacy between the two nations shows no signs of slowing.