Fifty years after establishing formal diplomatic ties, China and the European Union (EU) are celebrating a partnership that has grown into one of the world's most consequential economic and geopolitical alliances. Their relationship, solidified in 1975 during the Cold War, now drives nearly $800 billion in annual trade — a 300-fold surge since its inception.
A senior representative from the Chinese Mission to the EU highlighted their shared vision during a forum last November: "China and Europe are advancing multipolarity, supporting globalization through interconnected markets, and promoting cultural diversity." This alignment has fueled collaboration in green energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure projects across Asia and Europe.
From Cold War Pragmatism to Modern Interdependence: The 1975 agreement between the Chinese mainland and the European Economic Community (EEC) opened diplomatic channels during an era of global polarization. Today, key EU companies like Siemens and Airbus have established major R&D hubs in China, while Chinese investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles are reshaping European industries.
Balancing Opportunities with Challenges: While trade tensions over subsidies and market access persist, both sides emphasize dialogue — a priority underscored by recent high-level exchanges on climate partnerships and AI governance. Analysts note that deepening economic ties could stabilize global supply chains amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
As China and the EU commemorate this milestone, their evolving partnership underscores a mutual commitment to shaping a multipolar world while addressing shared challenges.
