From left to right: Chinese first lady Liu Yongqing, Chinese President Hu Jintao, French President Jacques Chirac, and French first lady Bernadette Chirac pose in front of the red-lit Eiffel Tower, January 27, 2004 in Paris. President Hu Jintao is on the second day of a four-day state visit in France, marking the 40th anniversary of Chinese-French relations. [Reuters]

French President Jacques Chirac (L) shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday January 27, 2004. Chirac stepped up his criticism of Taiwan's planned referendum by calling it 'aggressive' and 'irresponsible' and a threat to stability in Asia.  [AFP]

French President Jacques Chirac (L) with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Paris. China Southern Airlines recently agreed to buy 21 Airbus aircraft, Hu told a press conference. [AFP]

President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac discussed bilateral relations and major international issues of common concern and reached broad consensus at the Elysee Palace in Paris Monday, Jan. 26, 2004. In their first meeting after Hu's arrival in Paris, the two presidents spoke highly of the 40 years of relations between China and France since the two countries established full diplomatic ties.  [Xinhua]

President Hu Jintao (L) is welcomed by French President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday, Jan. 26, 2004. Hu arrived in Paris for a four-day state visit marking the 40th anniversary of Chinese-French relations. [AFP]

From left: French President Jacques Chirac,President Hu Jintao,First Lady Liu Yongging and French First Lady Bernadette Chirac pose before a state diner hosted by Chirac at the Elysee Palace, Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 in Paris. [AP]

French President Jacques Chirac, on red carpet, right, shakes hand with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao upon their arrival at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Monday, Jan. 26, 2004.Republican Guards frame the two presidents.  [AP]

French republican guards escort President Hu Jintao on his way to the Elysee Palace to meet French President Jacques Chirac past the Champs Elysee in Paris.  [AFP]

French President Jacques Chirac, left, welcomes President Hu Jintao, right, waving upon his arrival at Orly Airport, south of Paris, Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 for a four-day state visit.  [AP]