I. Political Relations

On January 16, 1995, China and Monaco established consular relations. The Chinese Consul general in Marseille, France held a concurrent post as the Consul general in Monaco. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bilateral relationship between China and Monaco has been enjoying a sound development. Prince Albert of Monaco visited China in June 1999, during which President Jiang Zemin met with him, and Vice President Hu Jintao held talks with him. In June 2002, after watching the World Cup Football Games hosted by the Republic of Korea and Japan, Crown Prince Albert of Monaco proceeded to Shanghai to preside over the ceremony for opening the Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Shanghai.


II. Trade

According to the statistics of the General Administration of Customs of the PRC, the trade volume between China and Monaco amounted to US$2.88 million in 2000, an increase of 18.5% over the previous year. The exports from China totaled US$1.47 million, 20% lower than the year before and imports to China US$ 1.4 million, an increase of 147.3 as against the previous year. The total volume of trade between China and Monaco in 2001 was US$3.68 million, up by 27.8% year on year. China's export value was US$2.207 million, a year-on-year increase of 49.9%, while its import value was US$1.473 million, growing by 4.6% year on year.


III. Cultural and Educational exchanges

Starting from 1982, China has been sending acrobatic troupes every year to take part in the International Acrobatic Festival held in Monaco, and has won prizes many times. In addition, China has also sent delegations there taking part in such activities as TV festival and fireworks festival.

In fall, 1995, Mr. Vigari, a painter from Monaco, held his painting exhibition in both Beijing and Shanghai.

In May 1999, "The Legend of Monaco", a picture-storybook telling the history of Monaco, was translated into Chinese and published in China.

In July 1999, a delegation of Monaco secondary students visited China.

In November 1999, a Chinese delegation of secondary students paid a return visit to Monaco.

In December 2000, Bejing Oprea "the Yang's Women Generals" performed in Monaco with great success. The Monaco Royal Family and Minister of State Affairs Patrick Leclercq together with his wife and all the cabinet members watched the performance.

In July 2001, an exhibition of Qin Dynasty terra cotta warriors and horses unearthed in Xi'an was held in Monaco. Monarch of Monaco Prince Rai Nier III, Crown Prince Hériditaire Albert, and Minister of State Patrick Leclercq and all the cabinet ministers attended the opening ceremony.