"Europe is the first cultural market for Chinese goods," he said. "Maybe the Chinese do not know, but the Chinese language is taught in Europe at high school level. More and more [European students] choose Chinese, much more than Russian or Arabic."

A sinologist, translator, as well as a diplomat, Chapuis graduated in Paris with a MA and DEA in Chinese studies. he has introduced many Chinese literati to France, including Qian Zhongshu, Yang Jiang and Ba Jin. The ambassador is also the first to translate a full poetry collection by Du Fu into French.