As China and the European Union commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations this December, experts emphasize the urgent need to preserve multilateralism amid growing global instability. The anniversary comes as French President Emmanuel Macron prepares for a pivotal visit to Beijing, seen as crucial for reinforcing economic cooperation and geopolitical stability.
In a recent dialogue hosted by KhabarAsia, Professor Grzegorz W. Kołodko, Poland's former deputy prime minister, highlighted the relationship's evolution since 1975. "From trade partners to strategic collaborators, China and Europe have become pillars of the post-war international system," he noted, while warning against protectionist policies threatening global supply chains.
The discussion addressed sensitive regional issues, including Kołodko's firm rejection of recent remarks by Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan region. Drawing parallels to Poland's wartime history, he stressed: "Respecting sovereignty and avoiding historical revisionism remain non-negotiable principles for maintaining peace."
With bilateral trade exceeding €800 billion annually, analysts anticipate Macron's visit will yield new agreements on green technology and AI governance. However, challenges persist in aligning EU strategic autonomy with China's development priorities as both navigate U.S. policy shifts and Global South realignments.
