Congratulatory Messages Exchanged for 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
EU: "Deepening Partnership with China Amid Global Uncertainties"
As trade tensions between the United States and China intensify, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a message marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), calling for the proper resolution of frictions and differences and the enhancement of mutual trust.
According to state-run Shinhwa Yonhap News on May 6, President Xi sent a congratulatory message to Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. In the message, he stated, "China and the EU are global strategic partners, two major forces driving multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity."
President Xi expressed his willingness to deepen strategic communication on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He stated, "We are willing to enhance understanding and mutual trust, expand mutual openness, and properly handle frictions and differences to open a brighter future for China-EU relations."
He went on to say, "China and the EU should uphold multilateralism, safeguard fairness and justice, and oppose unilateral bullying. Together, we should join hands to respond to global challenges and jointly promote universally beneficial economic globalization."
Although President Xi did not directly mention the United States in his message, analysts believe it contained an implicit reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently shaken the global trade order and advocated for an America-first approach.
Shinhwa Yonhap News reported that the EU side stated, "The EU and China have established extensive ties and have become each other's most important trading partners. Against the backdrop of current global uncertainties and geopolitical changes, the EU is willing to deepen its partnership with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, uphold the principles of the UN Charter, and jointly respond to common challenges."
China and the EU have agreed to hold a summit in Beijing, China, in July. For the bilateral summit, both President von der Leyen and President Michel will attend together. Accordingly, both leaders are expected to visit Beijing simultaneously and meet with President Xi.
Since the previous summit in 2023 was held in Beijing, it would normally be the EU's turn to host the meeting in Brussels, Belgium, where the EU headquarters is located. However, as President Xi reportedly hesitated to visit Brussels, the venue was moved to Beijing, breaking with convention.
This summit is expected to serve as an opportunity to improve bilateral relations between the EU and China, which have been strained by issues such as tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, amid a shaken international trade order triggered by the tariff war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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