On July 29, the "Re-Encounter" – Launch Event for Special Reports on the 50th Anniversary of China-EU Diplomatic Relations was held in Beijing, China.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Tang Heng of the Department of European Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, a critical juncture connecting past achievements with future progress.
Ambassador Tang Heng at the Department of European Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs addresses attendees.
"Over the past five decades, despite weathering storms and overcoming hurdles, the relationship has matured steadily and grown increasingly robust," he added. "The experience and wisdom we have accumulated between China and the EU provide a solid foundation for us to navigate complex changes and challenges."
As he reiterated, no one can deter the defining trend of progress. China-EU relations can and will only move forward; they cannot and will not stagnate or regress.
"We must stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, continue to anchor our relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership – its most accurate positioning – strengthen exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, enhance mutual trust, advance cooperation, and work together to usher in an even brighter next 50 years for China-EU relations," Ambassador Tang added.
Michael Starbæk Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark to China speaks on China-EU ties.
"50 years is a very important milestone. It gives us an opportunity to pause, to look back on what we have achieved, and more importantly, to think about what to do next," said Michael Starbæk Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark to China (representing the current EU Council Presidency). He noted that while the EU and China might not agree on everything, the leaders' meeting held at the China-EU Summit last week demonstrated the continued commitment to dialogue on numerous important matters and shared goals on issues like climate change.
Li Yun, President of Shanghai United Media Group, explained that the theme "Re-Encounter" signifies both a renewed beginning for China-EU relations after five decades and the necessity for both sides to re-understand each other amidst profound global changes.
Li Yun, President of Shanghai United Media Group, makes a speech.
Li shared a poignant remark from former European Commission President Romano Prodi encountered during the project's interviews: "Prodi asked, 'How can there be friendly relations when all the media says every day that China-EU competition is unmanageable and that the China-EU rivalry is tearing the world apart?'" Li stressed the media's responsibility: "As media professionals, we must constantly reflect on the information and content we convey to our readers and the public. Is it based on mutual respect? Does it help us understand each other better?"
Professor Zhai Dongsheng, Dean of the School of Regional and Area Studies at Renmin University of China, characterized China and Europe as "forces for stability, predictability, sustainability, and peace in a world order undergoing rapid and dramatic transformation." He expressed the hope that China-EU relations could "resist being overwhelmed by geopolitics, hijacked by short-term or parochial interests, or distorted by external political pressure," aspiring for the partnership to become "the fulcrum of world peace, the foundation of openness, and the source of green development."
Professor Zhai Dongsheng, Dean of the School of Regional and Area Studies at Renmin University of China, comments on China's relations with the EU.
Following the launch event, international guests and scholars from the China Think-tank Network on Europe, participated in two panel discussions: on "China-EU Dialogue & Cooperation": How China and the EU can strengthen dialogue and exchanges, promote practical cooperation, and bridge the gap between their peoples; and on "China-EU Mutual Understanding & Global Challenges": How China and the EU can avoid misunderstandings, foster correct perceptions of each other, and jointly address global challenges.
The "Re-Encounter" – Launch Event for Special Reports on the 50th Anniversary of China-EU Diplomatic Relations is held in Beijing.
The "Re-Encounter" special event is a key event commemorating the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
Photo: ThePaper.cn
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
