China, France warm up to each other

France and China definitely buried the hatchet and patched up strained ties during a high profile state visit to France by Chinese President Hu Jintao. French companies signed contracts worth over $20 billion. In return for Chinese largesse, Paris made no public mention of human rights or the jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobao who was this year awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

When questioned, President Nicolas Sarkozy mumbled that there was “no taboo subject between France and China, including human rights” but refused to be drawn further. Contrary to usual practice, no press conference was held and police brutally quelled demonstrations attempting to call for the release of the imprisoned Chinese Nobel laureate.

On economy

During a formal dinner in Mr. Hu's honour, Mr. Sarkozy, who will be taking over the presidency of the G-20 which groups the world's largest economies, said his targets were reform of the world monetary system, of financial governance and of raw materials markets. “I know I can count on China's backing to make progress on three big projects that are essential to keep the world running properly,” he said.

In his own toast, the Chinese leader said: “China supports France in its efforts to ensure the success of the G-20 summit next year.” Analysts reading between the lines said this meant Paris would not necessarily back Washington's hardline positions to force the Chinese to revalue the yuan. In a statement, the leaders said they wanted to “significantly improve the mechanisms of world economic governance”.

The French media, which widely commented on Mr. Hu's visit, also noted if the China was seeking to consolidate relationships within Europe, U.S. President Barack Obama was hoping to strengthen ties with India.

India visit

Indeed, given the fact that Mr. Sarkozy is to visit India for a working visit starting December 4, French diplomats too are keeping a close eye on how the Obama visit unfolds in India.

In French diplomatic circles there has often been a sense of pique at India's starry-eyed fascination with the U.S. despite the fact that France has been a far more reliable friend to India — whether in its full throated support for India's bid for permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council, the “understanding” it showed New Delhi following the 1998 nuclear blasts or its decision to provide fuel for Tarapur in the 80s when the Canadians decided to cancel supplies.