AFCSO Representatives Invited to Attend the Reception Celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese Consulate General in Marseille

On September 22, 2026, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Marseille held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Representatives of the Association Franco-Chinoise des Sciences de l’Océan (AFCSO) were invited to attend the event. Gérald Grégori, Honorary President of AFCSO and Deputy Director of the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), and Yutong Zhang, Vice President of AFCSO, represented the Association at the reception. The reception was held at the Chinese Consulate General in Marseille and brought together more than 300 guests. He Youlin, Consul General of China in Marseille, Michèle Rubirola, First Deputy Mayor of Marseille, and the Vice President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole were among the guests attending the event. Participants also included mayors and deputy mayors from several cities in the consular district, consuls general of different countries in Marseille, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of various sectors in southern France, Chinese companies, members of the Chinese community and Chinese students. In his speech, Consul General He Youlin reviewed the development of China–France relations and the growing cooperation between China and southern France. He expressed the Consulate General’s willingness to continue promoting better connections between the strengths of both sides, more efficient use of resources, and practical cooperation. When discussing future opportunities for cooperation between southern France and China, Consul General He highlighted southern France’s world-class aerospace industry, high-quality agricultural and food products, and rich tourism resources. He also noted the rapid development of the region in fields such as green technologies and the marine economy, which offer broad prospects for cooperation with China. French guests warmly congratulated the People’s Republic of China on its 77th anniversary, expressed positive views on the China–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and looked forward to further strengthening practical cooperation in various fields. Photo source: Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Marseille. For AFCSO, the mention of the “marine economy” in the context of local cooperation between France and China has particular significance. Southern France, especially the Mediterranean coastal region around Marseille, has a strong concentration of marine research institutions and scientific resources. Institutions such as MIO, OSU Institut Pythéas and Aix-Marseille University have long been involved in marine ecology, climate change, ocean observation and Mediterranean studies. AFCSO has gradually developed on the basis of these existing scientific links and cooperation. Since the beginning of this year, these connections have become even closer. In March 2026, AFCSO participated in exchanges during the visit of a science and technology delegation from the French Embassy in China to the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. During the visit, AFCSO introduced its vision to researchers from both countries: beyond existing collaborations between laboratories and research projects, the Association aims to build a more open and sustainable exchange network for marine researchers from France and China, particularly for young scientists. On May 11, 2026, the France–China Marine Science Cooperation and Exchange Meeting was held at Aix-Marseille University. Representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and related marine research institutions, Aix-Marseille University, MIO and OSU Institut Pythéas took part in the meeting. Qin Hao, Deputy Consul General of China in Marseille, also attended the event. During the meeting, participants from China and France exchanged views on topics including ocean observation, ecological protection, climate change, deep-sea science and the training of young researchers. Deputy Consul General Qin Hao also witnessed the inauguration of the Sino-French Joint Laboratory and AFCSO. Photo source: Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Marseille. Being invited to attend the National Day reception at the Consulate General also showed us that the potential for France–China marine cooperation goes beyond traditional academic research. Marine science, ecological protection, climate change, technological innovation, talent development and the transfer of research results are increasingly becoming interconnected areas for cooperation. In the future, AFCSO will continue to use marine science as a bridge to create more opportunities for exchanges between researchers and young scholars in France and China. The Association will also maintain open connections with universities, research institutions and partners in both countries, allowing new cooperation to develop naturally through dialogue and exchange. AFCSO sincerely thanks the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Marseille for the invitation and looks forward to continuing to participate in and promote exchanges and cooperation in marine science between France and China. From the shores of the Bohai Sea to the Mediterranean coast, the waves have witnessed the continuous development of exchanges between China and France. On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, AFCSO wishes China continued prosperity and peace, and extends its warmest wishes on this special anniversary. May France–China cooperation in marine science continue to move forward like rivers flowing into the sea, full of vitality and lasting momentum.