China, EU commemorate 50 years, pledge stronger cooperation

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

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Beijing – China and the European Union commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations with a joint commitment to deepen strategic cooperation amid global uncertainties. A series of high-level meetings and cultural exchanges marked the occasion, highlighting half a century of economic, political, and social engagement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of building mutual trust and expanding areas of collaboration, particularly in trade, climate change, and technological innovation. In a message to EU leaders, Xi described the China-EU partnership as “a vital pillar for global stability and development.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, noting that while the two sides often differ on key issues, dialogue and diplomacy remain central to managing challenges and finding common ground.
Trade between China and the EU has grown significantly since formal relations began in 1975, with the EU now being one of China’s largest trading partners. However, tensions over market access, human rights, and geopolitical alignments have tested the relationship in recent years.
As part of the 50th-anniversary events, both sides pledged to enhance people-to-people ties through cultural programs, student exchanges, and environmental cooperation. Analysts see this milestone as an opportunity for both sides to recalibrate ties and focus on shared priorities in an increasingly fragmented global order.
While uncertainties remain, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of China-EU relations and the potential for constructive engagement in the decades ahead.