FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Tian'anmen Square, Chinese national flag

FILE: Paris, France - March 26-27, 2019 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
2. Various of Arc de Triomphe, national flag of France

FILE: Paris, France - March 29, 2022 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
3. Eiffel Tower

Beijing, China - Jan 19, 2024 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Interview in progress
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Shang Wenjie, Chinese singer (partially overlaid with shots 6-7/ending with shot 10):
"Chinese people and the French people, they share a lot of similarities. We both have very deep appreciation for classical literature. We take pride in our respective ancient culture, and we aspire to continue their legacy. We also share a passion for gastronomy, tirelessly exploring new ways to enhance our culinary delights."

++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++
FILE: Paris, France - April 27, 2023 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
6. Various of exhibition about Chinese culture, visitors, books

Paris, France - April 9, 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
7. Various of artists playing traditional Chinese musical instruments
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FILE: Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, east China - Nov 14, 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
8. Various of French guests visiting Suzhou classical garden, taking photos
9. Plants, rocks, ancient building in garden
10. French guests visiting garden
11. French guests listening to explanation of ancient painting
12. Various of Chinese, French people dressed in traditional costumes from ancient times, posing for photos
13. French guests listening to explanation of ancient ornaments
14. Chinese, French people dressed in traditional costumes from ancient times

Beijing, China - Jan 19, 2024 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
15. SOUNDBITE (English) Shang Wenjie, Chinese singer (partially overlaid with shots 16-17/ending with shot 18):
"The most significant change that I can discover in recent years is that a growing number of French individuals, they are now learning Chinese language, and many of them are speaking it very well. Several years ago, I remember when I was in Paris, I was approached by a renowned French pop singer who expressed her desire to collaborate with me on a Chinese Mandarin song that she wrote herself. That astonished me a lot."

FILE: Paris, France - April 18, 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
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16. Poster of International Chinese Language Day
17. Chinese calligraphy
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18. People from different countries singing in traditional Chinese-style dresses

Beijing, China - Jan 19, 2024 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
19. SOUNDBITE (English) Shang Wenjie, Chinese singer:
"The biggest opportunity for collaboration between our two countries lies in the culture. I strongly believe in that. By fully leveraging the strength of each of us, I think there is room for mutual inspiration, learning and integration across various cultural domains."

FILE: Paris, France - April 27, 2023 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
20. Various of visitors at exhibition about Chinese culture

With the "lot of similarities" shared by the Chinese and French people, there is room for "mutual inspiration, learning and integration across various cultural domains", said Chinese singer Shang Wenjie who has also been a cultural ambassador between the two countries.

This year marks the 60th anniversary since China and France officially established ties. Among those to promote closer relations over the years is Chinese singer Shang. In 2018, the French government awarded her the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, a special honor that recognizes individuals for their contributions to the arts in France and around the world.

"Chinese people and the French people, they share a lot of similarities. We both have very deep appreciation for classical literature. We take pride in our respective ancient culture, and we aspire to continue their legacy. We also share a passion for gastronomy, tirelessly exploring new ways to enhance our culinary delights," said Shang told China Global Television Network (CGTN) in an interview on Friday.

The singer-songwriter, who once majored in French at Fudan University in Shanghai, said she has noticed a growing interest in the Chinese language among foreigners.

"The most significant change that I can discover in recent years is that a growing number of French individuals, they are now learning Chinese language, and many of them are speaking it very well. Several years ago, I remember when I was in Paris, I was approached by a renowned French pop singer who expressed her desire to collaborate with me on a Chinese Mandarin song that she wrote herself. That astonished me a lot," she said.

Looking ahead, Shang sees great opportunities for cultural exchanges between China and France.

"The biggest opportunity for collaboration between our two countries lies in the culture. I strongly believe in that. By fully leveraging the strength of each of us, I think there is room for mutual inspiration, learning and integration across various cultural domains," said the singer, adding that she looks forward to collaborate with foreign musicians on fusion-style music in the future.