“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.”
Explanation
This remark, attributed to Charles de Gaulle, is often cited as an example of his deadpan wit and political irony, though it may also be interpreted as a subtly layered geopolitical observation disguised as a truism. On the surface, the statement appears bluntly obvious, even tautological, yet its phrasing suggests a deliberate emphasis on recognizing China’s population as a defining element of its identity and influence.
During de Gaulle’s presidency, particularly in 1964, France became the first major Western nation to officially recognize the People’s Republic of China, breaking ranks with the prevailing Cold War stance led by the United States. The quote likely reflects that historic diplomatic pivot, underlining the pragmatism behind acknowledging China not just as a geographic entity but as a civilization shaped by a vast and unified people. In doing so, de Gaulle highlighted the futility of ignoring or isolating a country of such demographic and cultural weight.
Today, the quote can be seen as a reminder of the importance of engaging with global powers on realistic terms, even when ideological or political differences exist. While it may sound humorous or simplistic, the statement carries the message that one cannot overlook the fundamental facts of geography and demography in international relations, especially with a nation as historically rich and populous as China.
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