This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union-an important milestone that bridges the past and ushers in the future of China-EU ties. 50 years ago, the visionary leaders of China and Europe demonstrated extraordinary political courage and strategic foresight by breaking through Cold War divisions and making the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations. This opened the door to exchanges and cooperation between the two sides and had a profound impact on the international landscape. In 2001, China and the EU established a comprehensive partnership; in 2003, it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In 2014, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to the EU headquarters and proposed forging four major partnerships for peace, growth, reform, and civilization.
Over the past five decades, China-EU cooperation has yielded remarkable achievements. China is the only major country that has established a comprehensive cooperation framework with the EU, led by regular leaders’ meetings and supported by high-level dialogues in strategic, economic and trade, environmental and climate, digital, and people-to-people fields. With over 70 dialogue mechanisms at various levels and in multiple sectors, the political foundation of China-EU relations has grown ever more mature and enriched, while its strategic significance and global influence have steadily increased. Bilateral trade has soared from $2.4 billion to $785.8 billion, two-way investment stock has grown from virtually zero to nearly $260 billion, and people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly close. The two sides have also achieved fruitful coordination on global issues such as climate change. China-EU relations have become one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world. They have brought tangible benefits to nearly 2 billion people across China and Europe, made significant contributions to world peace and development, and set an example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization. As President Xi Jinping said, “A sound and stable China-EU relationship not only works to the advantage of both sides but also brings benefits to the whole world.”
China has always supported European integration. Regardless of whether Europe is in prosperity or adversity, and no matter how the international or European situation evolves, China’s policy toward the EU has remained consistent and stable. China has always supported the integration of Europe and the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and welcomes a strong, prosperous, and stable Europe.
China-EU cooperation is mutual beneficial and win-win. As the world’s second and third largest economies, China and the EU together account for over one-third of the global GDP and more than one-quarter of global trade. As two major markets in the world, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a necessity, not a choice. Economic and trade cooperation is the ballast stone of China-EU relations, not a source of risk.
People-to-people exchanges have further promoted mutual learning between civilizations. Chinese civilization values “harmony in diversity,” while the EU embraces “unity in diversity.” Though expressed differently, both ideas converge on the same principle. From tourism years, art festivals to cultural streets, expos, promotional events, and academic seminars, our growing cultural and people-to-people exchanges have given strong impetus to China-EU relations. China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 32 European countries, offering convenience to an increasing number of Europeans. Last year, China recorded over 9.7 million mutual visits. Nearly 600 direct flights connect our two regions each week. We warmly welcome more Europeans to catch the wave of “China enthusiasm” and experience more about China.
China and the EU have maintained close coordination in multilateral affairs and jointly promoted global governance.The evolution of China-EU relations mirrors the transformation of the global governance system. Multipolarity is an unstoppable trend, and globalization is irreversible. In an increasingly volatile world, the strategic value of China-EU relations is more prominent than ever. Both sides are firm practitioners of multilateralism, staunch supporters of the UN’s central role, believers in resolving international disputes through peaceful means, opponents of the use or threat of force, and advocates for democratization in international relations. By maintaining communication and coordination in international and multilateral arenas, China and the EU can accomplish great things together.
Over the past five decades, China-EU relations have matured and stabilized, but also faced challenges. However, the tide of progress cannot be held back, and the forward momentum of China-EU relations will not, and cannot, be reversed. We must objectively view our differences in trade and economic matters. Recently, the EU has frequently criticized China’s economic and trade policies, accusing China of unfair industrial subsidies, overcapacity, and inadequate market access, claiming these issues have widened the EU’s trade deficit with China. Given the sheer size of both economies and the depth of their engagement, competition and friction are inevitable. But the current dynamics are shaped by macroeconomic environments, international trade conditions, and respective industrial structures-issues that cannot be simplistically blamed on one party. China has always engaged in constructive dialogue with the EU. Politicizing trade and using a tough stance against China as a bargaining tool undermines cooperation and ultimately harms the interests of EU member states.
China and the EU should remain committed to the comprehensive strategic partnership, continue deepening exchanges, enhancing mutual trust, and promoting cooperation. We should together safeguard the post-war international order and the multilateral trading system, provide the world with much-needed stability and certainty, and open up a brighter future for the next 50 years of China-EU relations.