Why did Charles de Gaulle establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1964?

Charles de Gaulle established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1964 as part of his broader strategy to reassert French independence on the global stage. De Gaulle was determined that France should act as a great power, free from the influence of any other nation, particularly the United States.1

His foreign policy was defined by a rejection of the "Atlanticist" model, where he bristled at what he perceived as the tutelage of a superpower. By pursuing an independent diplomatic course, de Gaulle sought to restore French prestige and ensure that France was not merely a subordinate ally within NATO. His decision to recognize China aligned with his efforts to cultivate a foreign policy that prioritized French national interests and sovereignty, mirroring his other actions—such as developing an independent nuclear force de frappe and eventually withdrawing French forces from NATO's integrated military command—to ensure France remained a major, autonomous player in international relations.21