Reflections on China-EU Relations on the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties

On May 6, 2025, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, during a regular press conference, reflected on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, marked on May 7, 2025. The relationship began in May 1975 when then Premier Zhou Enlai and Vice President of the European Economic Community Commission, Sir Christopher Soames, announced the establishment of diplomatic ties, a landmark event in international relations. Over the past five decades, China-EU relations have flourished, with bilateral trade skyrocketing from $2.4 billion to $785.8 billion annually, a 300-fold increase. The daily trade volume today equals the annual trade of the past, underscoring deep economic interdependence.

China-EU Relations

The two sides have also engaged in productive multilateral cooperation, particularly in addressing climate change, delivering tangible benefits to nearly two billion people and contributing to global stability and prosperity. Lin Jian emphasized that the cornerstone of this success has been mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences, despite distinct histories, cultures, and systems. By respecting each other’s chosen development paths and social systems, China and the EU have achieved win-win results through open cooperation and mutual learning.

In the context of a rapidly evolving global landscape, marked by unilateralism, protectionism, and challenges to international rules, Lin Jian stressed that cooperation, consensus, and opportunities between China and the EU far outweigh competition and differences. Representing over a third of the global economy and a quarter of world trade, the two sides share a commitment to multilateralism and openness. By choosing dialogue and cooperation, they can prevent camp confrontation, and by prioritizing openness, they can uphold economic globalization. Joint efforts, Lin Jian noted, will lead to mutual success and global benefits.

Deepening ties

Looking ahead, 2025 holds significant opportunities for deepening ties. China welcomes visits by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a new China-EU Summit. High-level dialogues on strategic, economic, trade, environmental, climate, and digital issues are planned, alongside four high-level receptions and events in economy, trade, culture, youth, sports, and academia to celebrate the anniversary. Starting May 7, 2025, these events will mark the milestone and set the stage for future collaboration.

At this pivotal moment, Lin Jian expressed China’s hope that the EU will honor the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, remain partners, enhance dialogue, and manage differences constructively. By building on past achievements, China and the EU can advance their relationship, writing new chapters of successful cooperation that benefit both sides and the world.

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