China-EU relations are now 50 years old

Irish Examiner

19 hours ago

Fifty years ago, in the midst of the Cold War, visionary leaders from China and Europe showed remarkable political courage and strategic foresight by breaking through the rigid bloc confrontations of the time.
In 1975, they established diplomatic relations between China and the European Economic Community — a historic step that opened the door to a relationship grounded in dialogue, co-operation, and mutual benefit.
Over the past five decades, the results of this partnership have been truly remarkable.
The 'win-win' nature of China–EU relations is clearly evident. The European Community, originally composed of just nine member states, has grown into the 27-member EU — a deeply integrated and influential global actor.
Meanwhile, China has emerged as the world's second-largest economy. Bilateral trade has surged from $2.4bn in 1975 to an impressive $785.8bn today, while mutual investment has expanded from virtually nothing to nearly $260bn. Chinese investment has created more than 270,000 jobs in the EU.
Co-operation now extends across a wide array of fields, including economy and trade, science, education, and culture. China has unilaterally granted visa-free access to citizens of 24 EU member states, and nearly 600 flights connect China and Europe each week. In 2024 alone, more than 9.7m people travelled between the two regions.
Looking back, the development of China–EU relations has not been without its challenges. As the Chinese saying goes, 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. Despite the EU's internal ups and downs or shifts in the global landscape, China's approach to its relationship with the EU has remained consistent and steady. China has always supported European integration and respects the EU's pursuit of strategic autonomy — welcoming a strong, prosperous, and stable Europe.
During the European debt and financial crises, China extended its support by expressing firm confidence — famously declaring that 'confidence is more precious than gold' — and by purchasing large amounts of eurozone bonds. China's capital inflows and booming trade with Europe played a constructive role in the region's economic rebound.
Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, China maintained its confidence in European unity. It dismissed the noise of Euroscepticism and Brexit-related anxieties, trusting in a smooth transition between the EU and the UK, while continuing to advocate for the stable and healthy development of China–EU ties.
During the covid-19 pandemic, China stood in solidarity with Europe. Despite facing domestic shortages and pressure, China overcame logistical and supply challenges to donate and export large volumes of medical supplies to the EU and its member states, including Ireland. Between March 29 and April 26, 2020, Aer Lingus operated 259 cargo flights between Dublin and Beijing, transporting over 4,000 tons of medical supplies from China — the largest freight operation in the airline's history.
These five decades have shown that China and the EU have the capacity to support and elevate each other — and even offer hope to the wider world. China's development has never been intended to challenge or even 'screw' the EU. On the contrary, it has always sought to respect and address EU concerns.
On the Ukraine crisis, China has clearly stated its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and attacks on civilian nuclear facilities. It has called for preventing escalation and spillover of the conflict and emphasised Europe's rightful role in resolving the crisis. Like EU, China is committed to a political settlement and supports Europe to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture — one that can ensure lasting peace and prevent a repeat of war.
On matters of trade and economic co-operation, China has taken tangible steps to address EU concerns. The number of sectors restricted to foreign investment has been significantly reduced — from 190 to just 29 — while efforts to ensure national treatment for foreign investors are steadily advancing. These measures have provided European businesses with broader access to a more open and rules-based Chinese market.
In response to supply-chain concerns, such as those involving rare earth elements, China has introduced a 'fast track' mechanism for European companies. To address worries about trade diversion, China has agreed to a monitoring mechanism and introduced consumer goods upgrade and equipment renewal policies aimed at expanding domestic demand — concrete signs of China's goodwill and commitment.
Over the past five decades, China and Europe have built experience and goodwill that will help us counter uncertainty and future challenges.
Denying past achievements clouds our vision for the future. Disregarding the efforts of past generations is tantamount to denying our own progress.
As two major forces promoting multipolarity, two massive markets supporting globalisation, and two great civilisations championing diversity, China and Europe have every reason to choose openness and co-operation. If we do, the global tide toward economic integration will remain unbroken.
Looking ahead, China hopes to work with EU to uphold the post-war international order and multilateral trading system, providing much-needed global stability and certainty.
Together, we can shape an even more promising next 50 years for China–EU relations.
Zhao Xiyuan is the Ambassador of China to Ireland.