By Ambassador Jian Tan
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. Over the past half-century, the China-EU relationship has weathered storms and overcome challenges, growing increasingly mature and stable. It has become one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world. Our fruitful exchanges and cooperation have delivered tangible benefits to nearly 2 billion people, set an example of mutually beneficial collaboration in an era of economic globalization, and made significant contributions to global peace and development.
China and the EU have not only achieved mutual success but also benefited the whole world.
At present, China-EU relations are at a crucial juncture—building on past achievements and paving the way for the future. A key lesson from our experience is the importance of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, openness and cooperation, and win-win outcomes.
On July 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit. The more complex and severe the international situation becomes, the more China and the EU must enhance communication, build mutual trust, and deepen cooperation.Both sides are constructive forces advocating multilateralism and open cooperation. As two major forces for multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two great civilizations upholding diversity, the timing of this summit is of great significance.
China remains the only major country to have established a comprehensive cooperation framework with the EU, led by summit-level engagement and supported by high-level dialogues in strategic, economic and trade, environment and climate, digital, and people-to-people areas. China has always viewed and developed its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective, seeing Europe as a key pole in a multipolar world, and consistently supporting European integration and the EU’s strategic autonomy. The challenges facing Europe today do not stem from China. There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical rivalry between China and the EU. Cooperation outweighs competition, and consensus outweighs differences—this fundamental tone has not changed.
China and the EU are the world’s second- and third-largest economies, accounting for over one-third of global GDP and more than one-quarter of global trade. Our economic and trade relations are inherently complementary and mutually beneficial. History and reality prove that interdependence is not a risk, and intertwined interests are not a threat. Competitiveness should not be built by erecting walls or barriers. Decoupling and supply chains disruption will only lead to self-isolation, and “de-risking” must not mean reducing cooperation.
China’s high-quality development and high-level opening-up will bring new opportunities and space for China-EU cooperation.
Facing major choices between war and peace, competition and cooperation, isolation and openness, the right answer lies in multilateralism and solidarity. China’s policy in international affairs is based on facts and principles. We advocate for peaceful resolution of disputes through political means and dialogue. China and the EU should jointly support political solutions to international crises and promote both short- and long-term approaches to maintain the international order and rules established after World War II. Together, we should work toward a more just and equitable global governance system and address global challenges such as climate change, keeping the torch of multilateralism lit for the progress of humanity.
China is a peace-loving nation that values harmony, inclusiveness, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. Judging China from western perspectives could mislead. While China and the EU differ in history, culture, systems, and stages of development, these differences have not hindered the establishment and growth of our relations, nor should they become obstacles in the future. We hope the EU will respect the development path and system chosen by the Chinese people, respect China’s core interests and major concerns. China-EU relations are not targeted at, dependent on, or controlled by any third party. The two sides should deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and trust, and foster accurate mutual perceptions.
As a founding member and key pillar of the European Union, the Netherlands has long been a strong advocate for an “open Europe” and a vital gateway for China-Europe cooperation. While China and the Netherlands differ in political systems and cultural traditions, both peoples share a spirit of innovation, perseverance, and the courage to forge ahead.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and the Netherlands have consistently upheld the principles of openness and pragmatism. The two countries have long stood at the forefront of China-EU cooperation. For several consecutive years, bilateral trade has surpassed 100 billion U.S. dollars, making the Netherlands China’s second-largest trading partner within the EU. Likewise, China is the Netherlands’ second-largest trading partner outside the EU. The Netherlands is also China’s top investment destination in the EU and the second-largest EU source of investment in China. Bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water management, green energy, and digital economy has achieved fruitful outcomes, fully demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China-Netherlands relations.
In 2014, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to the Netherlands, during which the two countries established an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to grow. Today, unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are posing serious challenges to the international trading system and eroding the multilateral institutional framework. The Netherlands has long been a staunch supporter of free trade and a firm advocate of multilateralism on the global stage. China stands ready to strengthen communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and expand multilateral collaboration with the Netherlands. Together, the two countries can further unlock the potential of their open and pragmatic comprehensive partnership—delivering greater benefits to both peoples and contributing to the broader advancement of China-Europe relations.
Looking back and looking ahead, in the face of a fast-changing world shaped by profound transformation and uncertainty, China and the EU should remain committed to their comprehensive strategic partnership, uphold the correct direction of development, and make strategic decisions that meet the expectations of their people and stand the test of history. Together, let us bring the world greater stability and certainty, and open a new era of more resilient, autonomous, mature, and forward-looking relations over the next 50 years.
