Thousands of Students Gather at Sichuan University
On the final day of his state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron received a rousing welcome from local university students on the 5th (local time), smiling broadly as he was greeted with the enthusiasm usually reserved for top celebrities.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sichuan University located in Chengdu, China, on the 5th (local time), where local students cheered. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
According to Yonhap News, which cited footage from the French online media outlet Brut, President Macron visited Sichuan University in Chengdu on this day. He was welcomed by thousands of students who had gathered in advance, receiving a reception that rivaled that of an idol star.
Sichuan University maintains cooperative relationships with several French universities, including Sciences Po and Paris Nanterre University.
Students took out their mobile phones to capture President Macron, who was surrounded by security personnel. Those standing along the security line eagerly reached out in an attempt to shake his hand. Some repeatedly shouted "Bonjour," the French greeting.
President Macron, beaming with a broad smile, responded with "fan service" by shaking hands and waving to the crowd. Some students who managed to shake his hand exclaimed with joy.
When an AFP reporter at the scene remarked, "You are a true rock star," President Macron jokingly replied by asking the reporter, "Weren't you pushed by the crowd?"
French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Sichuan University located in Chengdu, China, on the 5th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
French netizens who saw President Macron being treated like a top star in China commented, "This would never happen in France," and "Returning to France will be painful for him." There were even remarks questioning, "Is this a video made by artificial intelligence (AI)?" This is because President Macron’s approval rating in France has hit rock bottom since he took office.
In the latest poll released by the polling agency Elabe on the 4th, just a day earlier, President Macron's approval rating stood at only 18%. This figure was 2 percentage points higher than a month ago, thanks to his decision to distance himself from the domestic budget debate.
Meanwhile, President Macron, who has been visiting China since the 3rd, told reporters that day, "Unity between the United States and Europe is essential on the Ukraine issue. We must work together."
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