The diplomatic relations between Poland and China had been established before World War II. The new stage in the relations has started on October 7, 1949, when Poland oficially recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which was declared on October 1, 1949. Therefore, in 2009, we had two anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of china and the 60th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between Poland and PRC. This gives the opportunity to summarize mutual relations. Those 60 years have been filled with positive stories, which had significant influence on the development of bilateral relations. However, one can also find dificult, even tragic moments during the history of these two nations. Those uneasy moments had also direct impact on mutual relations.

The victory of Chinese communists over the Kuomintang, backed by the United States, in the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in the foundation of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, was the most signifi cant international event a€ er the Second World War. It reverberated not only through the whole world, but also around Poland. The People’s Republic of Poland broke diplomatic relations with the Kuomintang government of the Republic of China in August 1949. It was the seventh country of the world to recognize the People’s Republic of China on October 5, 1949, and, two days later, Poland and China reestablished diplomatic relations. It is worth mentioning that this fact was generally well received by the Polish society of the 1950s.