On September 24, 2025, the Chinese Mission to the EU and the Chinese Embassy in Belgium co-hosted a reception in Brussels to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Ms. Li Yan, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, Mr. Olivier Bailly, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, and Ms. Theodora Gentzis, Secretary General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended and addressed the event. The reception brought together more than 800 guests, including Mr. Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament, other officials from EU institutions, the Belgian government, and the NATO Secretariat, members of the European and Belgian Parliaments, diplomatic envoys from various countries to the EU and Belgium, delegates of international organizations, leaders of local mainstream media outlets and think tanks, and representatives of Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese communities.
In his speech, Ambassador Cai Run highlighted that over the past 76 years since the founding of the PRC, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, and has made great contributions to global peace and development. He emphasized that China's development and growth add to the world's collective strength for peace. Ambassador Cai also mentioned that President Xi Jinping recently put forward the Global Governance Initiative, which contributes China's wisdom and solutions to global governance. Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties, he called on both sides to jointly follow through the important consensus reached by leaders of both sides and outcomes of their meetings, so as to promote the sound and steady growth of China-EU relations.
Chargé d'Affaires Li Yan noted that the comprehensive, friendly, cooperative partnership between China and Belgium has achieved further progress since the beginning of this year. She emphasized that China is ready to join hands with Belgium to implement the important consensus established by the leaders of both countries, foster mutual respect and win-win outcomes that lift up both sides, make for a brighter world, and take China-Belgium relations to new heights.
Deputy Secretary General Olivier Bailly extended warm congratulations on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the PRC on behalf of the EU. He also stressed the significance of the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, calling on both sides to translate the both leaders' consensus into concrete actions, enhance exchanges and dialogue at all levels, and jointly tackle global challenges.
Secretary General Theodora Gentzis, speaking on behalf of Belgium, noted that next year will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China. She delivered Belgium's willingness to use this milestone to deepen dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation with China, thus building a shared future featuring prosperity, peace, and resilience.
Guests at the reception spoke highly of the outcomes of Chinese modernization and engaged in lively discussions on China-EU friendship and collaboration. The Jinfan Symphony Orchestra of the Beijing National Day School performed the Chinese, Belgian, and EU anthems. The room was filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
