Studying Abroad and Joining the Military? Why Did Mathematician Wang Hong Pose in a French Military Uniform?
With Wang Hong winning the Fields Medal, and President Emmanuel Macron personally calling to extend his greetings, this brilliant female scientist has quickly become a focal point of public attention. Macron’s combination of phone calls and dedicated posts clearly indicates his desire to keep this scientist in France. After completing her undergraduate studies at Peking University, Wang Hong has pursued further education and currently works entirely within France. Her research holds significant value in defense and military technology fields—providing strong theoretical foundations for radar waves, laser beams, sonar systems, and electromagnetic interference. Whether this mathematician ultimately stays in France or returns to China will largely depend on her personal choice.
However, one photograph has sparked widespread discussion. Taken during Wang Hong’s time studying in France, she is seen wearing not ordinary school attire, but something resembling a French military uniform. What exactly is going on here? Does studying in France require wearing military uniforms?
The photo was taken while Wang Hong was attending the École Polytechnique in Paris. This institution falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the French Ministry of Defense and is essentially France's premier institution for defense-related scientific and engineering research—akin to China’s National University of Defense Technology. International students like Wang Hong who enroll in engineering degree programs are issued a special dark-colored formal outfit featuring golden shoulder insignia, school emblems, two-pointed caps, and ceremonial swords. The ensemble indeed bears a striking resemblance to French military dress! However, this does not mean these students have joined the French armed forces—this uniform is simply a standardized dress code adopted across the entire school, regardless of nationality. Moreover, students do not wear this attire during regular classes; it is reserved for major ceremonial occasions such as the sword-giving ceremony upon enrollment, university anniversary celebrations, graduation ceremonies, and important official events.
Chinese-Origin Mathematician Wins Fields Medal
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871586924564491/
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