# France recognizes People’s Republic of China (1964)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1964-france-recognizes-people-s-republic-of-china
Location: Paris / Beijing

France became the first major Western power to establish full diplomatic relations with Communist China. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles de Gaulle (President of the French Republic). France recognizes People’s Republic of China mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
France recognizes People’s Republic of China mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems.

Ruler at the time: [Charles de Gaulle](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-de-gaulle-1959)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — France recognizes People’s Republic of China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=France+recognizes+People%E2%80%99s+Republic+of+China&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — France recognizes People’s Republic of China](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=France+recognizes+People%E2%80%99s+Republic+of+China)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)