Double check

Reflecting on 50 years of China-EU relations shows the benefits it has had for both sides and the world at large

Editor's note: The world has undergone many changes and shocks in recent years. Enhanced dialogue between scholars from China and overseas is needed to build mutual understanding on many problems the world faces. For this purpose, the China Watch Institute of China Daily and the National Institute for Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, jointly present this special column: The Global Strategic Dialogue, in which experts from China and abroad will offer insightful views, analysis and fresh perspectives on long-term strategic issues of global importance.

The year 2025 is to be marked by the intensity of global changes and diplomatic and economic confrontations. The dynamics of events, especially after the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency in the United States, surpass everything we have seen before.

Each day and almost every week explode with radical events, phenomena, or announcements. Uncertainty and unpredictability are growing dramatically, while optimism and the willingness to invest are decreasing. In addition to existing challenges and unresolved problems on a scale not seen in a long time, new ones are emerging.

The European Union and China are preparing to organize a joint summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, amid ongoing trade tensions and concerns about Trump's return to the White House. In this context, there is much to be drawn from the 50 years of EU-China relations. It is therefore worth looking at the past and drawing conclusions on what to do and how to do it better than before, not only to manage and ease EU-China relations, but also to bring new impulses for the normalization of relations and cooperation, and to reduce conflicts and anxieties, showing that there is an alternative to confrontation, tariffs or closed markets.

Relations between the EU and China were established in 1975. For many years, the EU was a very important trading partner for China, and China was a special trade partner for the EU. In 2020, China surpassed the US to become the EU's largest trading partner in terms of the exchange of goods. In 2023, China accounted for 9 percent of the EU' exports of goods and 20 percent of the EU's imports of goods. The products that the EU imports most from China include electrical machinery, electrical apparatus, electrical equipment, broadcasting equipment and parts for office machines. After the COVID-19 pandemic, China and the EU are each other's second-largest trading partners, with trade volume between the two sides increasing by 1.6 percent last year, reaching $785.8 billion. In April 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron paid an official joint visit to Beijing to emphasize the special economic ties between the two largest global markets.

Looking at important events in EU-China relations that took place in the past six months, it is clear that despite the differences in interests or decisions related to protecting their own markets, EU-China relations remain a priority for both sides.

The EU has been signaling a change in its strategy toward China in the face of escalating tensions with the US. While the EU is preparing for intensified trade tensions with the US, Von der Leyen signaled a shift in approach toward China. Reaffirming the EU's commitment to "reducing risks", she also emphasized the opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties with China.

The European Central Bank warns that Europe could be a big loser in the trade war between the US and China, which may significantly affect the eurozone. In the face of escalating trade tensions, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius proposed strengthening cooperation as a solution to the ongoing dispute between the EU and China.

Additionally, Spain is urging the EU to shape an independent policy toward China in light of the growing trade tensions with the US. New initiatives in EU-China relations, including the summit meeting, provide new impulses for strengthening ties with China.

In Europe, it has been noticed that since President Xi Jinping's visit to France last May, Beijing has been interested in strengthening relations with the EU.

The US-EU conflict over ways to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine and the US' practice of using the "America First" electoral program as a dictate of US power toward Canada, Mexico, the EU and China have created additional political and economic impulses for strengthening EU-China dialogue and cooperation.

This is evidenced by the phone call between President Xi and European Council President António Costa on Jan 14. The European side confirmed the importance of EU-China relations, while President Xi emphasized that "there is no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU" and "both sides are partners that can contribute to each other's success". Moreover, President Xi stressed that "China and the EU should enhance strategic mutual trust" as the international situation becomes increasingly severe and complex.

The Chinese side has also highlighted the mutual benefits of economic and trade cooperation between China and the EU and the need to foster new growth areas for expanding it.

It is clear that new solutions are being sought in EU-China relations. These initiatives could be a significant factor in reducing emotions and tensions in global diplomacy and economy. Therefore, it is worth analyzing what 50 years of EU-China cooperation have brought to the world and how to continue developing it.

The author is a president of the Polish-Asian Chamber of Commerce and once served as vice-prime minister and minister of economy of Poland. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.