Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP
Eurasia
06/05/2025 18:55
On May 6, China and the European Union (EU) commemorated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with leaders from both sides exchanging messages of mutual respect and commitment to future collaboration. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the significance of the China-EU partnership, describing it as a comprehensive strategic alliance that plays a pivotal role in promoting global multipolarity and economic globalization. He highlighted the fruitful outcomes of their cooperation over the past five decades and expressed readiness to deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding, and expand openness between the two sides.
President Xi also called for joint efforts to uphold multilateralism, fairness, and justice, opposing unilateralism and bullying, in a reference to US President Donald Trump's tariffs. He underscored the importance of China and the EU working together to address global challenges and contribute to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
In response, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged China's rapid and sustained economic growth and the extensive ties forged between the EU and China. They expressed the EU's readiness to deepen its partnership with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The EU leaders emphasized the importance of working hand in hand to address common challenges and promote global peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also exchanged congratulatory messages with the EU leaders, reiterating China's willingness to work with the EU to uphold their comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized making bilateral relations more stable, constructive, reciprocal, and global, aiming to inject greater stability and positive energy into the world.
These exchanges come at a time when China and the EU are navigating complex global dynamics, including trade tensions and geopolitical shifts. Both sides have expressed a commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation, with plans to hold high-level meetings focusing on strategy, economy and trade, green development, and digitalization. Additionally, China has indicated a willingness to welcome visits by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at an appropriate time to jointly hold a new round of meetings.
