The Haidian Xishan Mountain Sino-France Cultural Exchange Symposium was held in the National Convention Center in Beijing on April 7.
Jean Louis Bussiere, son of Dr Bussiere, delivers a keynote speech at the Haidian Xishan Mountain Sino-French Cultural Exchanges Symposium on April 7. [Photo by Wang Yifei/ China Daily] |
The symposium is a highlight of a series of Sino-French cultural exchange activities held to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. It attracted more than 100 participants from the government, research institutes and business entities.
Shu Yi, vice-chairman of the China Public Diplomacy Association; Chen Mingjie, director of the publicity department of the CPC Haidian district department; and Jean Louis Bussiere, son of Dr Bussiere, delivered a keynote speech at the symposium. Ten other guests were also in attendance.
Jean Louis Bussiere, a famous cardiologist, recalled the story of his father in the Xishan Mountain Area about 80 years ago. Dr Bussiere was known for his excellent medical skills and amiableness among locals. For decades he offered free treatment to locals and gained a good reputation.
Apart from his medical skills, Dr Bussiere also made great contributions to the establishment of the former Sino-French University Shanghai branch. His residence, the Villa of Bussiere, was also an important stop for members of the Chinese Communist Party to exchange intelligence during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).
Jean Louis Bussiere went to the Villa of Bussiere with his wife on March 30 and offered free medical treatment to the local villagers. A senior in his eighties visited him to express gratitude for his father’s treatment 70 years ago.
The symposium was cosponsored by the China Public Diplomacy Association and Haidian Cultural Development and Promotion Center. The symposium also has the support of the publicity department of the CPC Haidian district committee and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.