Navigating Challenges and Charting a Course for the Next 50 Years of Cooperation

China has announced the upcoming 25th China-EU Summit. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, highlighted the summit's significance, emphasizing its importance in the current global context. The meeting is viewed as a crucial event, drawing considerable international attention.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN's founding. The world faces significant changes and a complex international landscape, with challenges to the established order. The spokesperson stressed the importance of China and Europe, as major forces, markets, and civilizations, holding this leaders' meeting at this critical juncture.

Over the past half-century, China-EU relations have evolved into a mature and stable partnership, recognized as one of the most influential bilateral relationships globally. Cooperation has yielded positive results, supporting mutual development and benefiting a large population. The relationship has also contributed to global peace and development, serving as a model for mutually beneficial cooperation in economic globalization. Substantial growth has been seen in trade and investment, alongside increasingly close people-to-people exchanges.

While cooperation has been fruitful, the relationship also faces challenges. Some within the EU have adopted certain approaches to China policy, potentially causing disruptions. China believes that the relationship has the strength to overcome these challenges, drawing on the experience and positive momentum built over the past 50 years.

With the summit approaching, China views the relationship as being at a crucial juncture. China hopes for a collaborative approach from the EU, considering the relationship comprehensively and drawing lessons from the past. The aim is to build consensus, address differences, and plan for the next 50 years of cooperation, opening a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU.