List of ambassadors of France to China

The first contacts between China and the West were established by Marco Polo in the 13th century. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, missionaries continued the French settlement on Chinese soil. However, due to the remoteness of China, France, like most European countries, did not feel the need to establish diplomatic relations with the Chinese Empire for several centuries.

The updated list is available on the website of the French Embassy in Beijing.

The current regime ruling Taiwan comes from the exile on the island of Taiwan of the Chinese leaders after the communist revolution of 1949 and the end of the nationalist republican regime. The two governments have since then disputed the sovereignty of the entire Chinese territory. Although tending towards democracy according to the criteria of the European Union, the sovereignty of the country is not officially recognized. The seat occupied by the Republic of China at the United Nations was also lost in 1971 to the benefit of the People's Republic of China, which became the sole representative of China. Only 23 countries (but none in Asia, Europe or North America) out of the 192 that make up the UN recognize the Republic of China and maintain official diplomatic relations with it. France, for its part, is present thanks to the French Office in Taipei, which, although it has a role of representation at the political, economic and consular level, does not have the title of embassy, in order not to offend the People's Republic of China.

In addition to the consular section of the embassy in Beijing, there are six consulates general of France in China, based in:

• Shanghai
• Guangdong
• Wuhan
• Chengdu
• Shenyang
• Hong Kong