On November 21, 2024, the 12th China-Europe Forum, co-organized by the Chinese Mission to the EU, the renowned European think tank Friends of Europe, and the China Public Diplomacy Association, was held in Brussels. Themed on “50 Years of Diplomacy-Advancing China-EU Relations in An Era of Globalisation,” the forum explored ways to enhance dialogue and cooperation between the two sides. Nearly 500 representatives of politics, business, academia and media from both sides participated in the forum either in person or online.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, emphasized the enduring strength of half-century China-EU relations despite international changes, which maintain a momentum of steady growth and become increasingly strategic and globally significant. China has embarked on a new journey of building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. China’s development and growth will bring more opportunities to Europe and the world at large. Rather than viewing each other as rivals, China and the EU should foster partnership, prioritize practical cooperation over decoupling, and add more stability and certainty to the world, not complexity. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. It is important that China and the EU work together to seize opportunities, address challenges, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

The atmosphere at the forum was warm and engaging. Mr. Chen Yuming, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, and other Chinese participants stressed the importance of seeking common ground while respecting differences and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation on an equal footing in this turbulent and changing world. They argued that this approach would foster the development of bilateral relations and benefit the people on both sides. EU Ambassador to China, Mr. Jorge Toledo, and other EU participants underscored the significance of EU-China relations within the EU’s foreign policy framework. They stressed the importance of leveraging the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations to deepen cooperation, drive development, and counter anti-globalization trends.