59 years ago today, on March 9, 1966 (February 18, 1966 in the lunar calendar), France announced its withdrawal from the NATO Military Integration Organization. In 1959, Charles de Gaulle became President of the Fifth Republic of France, implementing an independent nationalist policy and striving to restore France's status as a major power. He put forward the slogan of "Europe for Europeans" and advocated uniting Western Europe, getting rid of U.S. control, and abandoning the Atlantic bloc under the auspices and leadership of the United States. In order to confront the United States, France has also strengthened relations with European countries, improved relations with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and established formal diplomatic relations with China. The confrontation between France and the United States continues to intensify. In 1963, the French government announced that the Atlantic Fleet would not be under NATO command. All French officers serving in the NATO Naval Command were recalled in 1964. On March 9, 1966, Charles de Gaulle sent a letter to U.S. President Johnson, requesting the formal withdrawal of NATO military institutions and announcing the withdrawal of all French troops under NATO command by July. At the same time, he also cancelled the transit and landing of NATO military aircraft in France. The right to order the U.S. military and its bases to withdraw from France within one year. On July 1, France withdrew from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's integrated military establishment. In October, France withdrew from the NATO Military Committee. NATO headquarters was moved from Paris to Brussels.