China–EU Cooperation Expands as Diplomatic Ties Mark 50 Years
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, a milestone year highlighted by frequent high-level exchanges and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has held several meetings with European leaders in recent years, reaching important consensus on strengthening the China-EU partnership, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly addressing global challenges.
At a press conference held on March 4 during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress of China, spokesperson Lou Qinjian stated that practical cooperation between China and Europe has delivered substantial results, while cultural and people-to-people exchanges have remained dynamic. 'Facts have proven that Europe needs China, and China also needs Europe,' Lou said.
According to Lou, the essence of China-EU economic and trade relations lies in complementary advantages and mutually beneficial outcomes. Cooperation with China, he noted, supports Europe's economic growth and improves the well-being of its people.
One example is the China–Europe Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone in Hungary, which provides a platform for two-way interaction between Chinese and European companies while strengthening Hungary's role as a key logistics hub in Europe.
Another flagship project is the Pelješac Bridge in Croatia. Funded by the EU and constructed by Chinese enterprises, the bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Croatia, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of local communities and significantly improving regional connectivity.
Lou also highlighted energy cooperation as an important area of collaboration. China's State Grid Corporation of China has invested in Portugal's national energy network operator REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, sharing expertise in grid operation management and renewable energy integration to support Portugal's energy transition.
In another example of international collaboration, China National Petroleum Corporation and Shell plc jointly invested in Arrow Energy in Australia. The partnership combines the strengths of both companies to deliver innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solutions for third-party markets, while also boosting local employment and economic development.
European companies are also benefiting from China's high-quality economic growth through increased investment in the Chinese market. German chemical giant BASF is building its largest single investment project to date at its integrated production site in Zhanjiang, China. Meanwhile, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has established an insulin active pharmaceutical ingredient project in Beijing, which has become its largest insulin injection production base in the Asia-Pacific region.
These projects not only help meet the growing demands of the Chinese market but also significantly enhance the global competitiveness of the companies involved.
Lou emphasized that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and Europe. China is willing to work with the EU to maintain the core position of their partnership, properly manage trade differences, expand cooperation agendas, and jointly tackle global challenges.
Last year, China and the European Parliament simultaneously lifted restrictions on exchanges, allowing legislative communication mechanisms that had been suspended for years to resume. The National People's Congress, Lou said, is ready to strengthen friendly exchanges with the European Parliament and national parliaments across Europe, deepen mutual understanding, build broader consensus, and promote cooperation to ensure the steady and long-term development of China-EU relations.