On 24 July 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. The meeting, held on the occasion of the 25th China–EU summit, focused on the future of China–EU relations and emphasized mutual respect, open cooperation and multilateralism.
President Xi stated that over the past 50 years China and the European Union have achieved remarkable results that have benefited both sides and the world. He attributed this success to mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, open cooperation and mutual benefit. Given the complex international situation, Xi said China and the EU should enhance communication, deepen trust and work together to open a brighter chapter for the next half century.
Xi set out three proposals for the future of China–EU ties. First, he called for upholding mutual respect and consolidating the partnership. He noted that differences in history, culture and development paths have not prevented cooperation and should not do so in the future. China views Europe as a key pole in a multipolar world and supports European integration and strategic autonomy. Xi urged the EU to respect China’s chosen path and core interests and to see the relationship as independent of any third party.
Second, Xi advocated open cooperation and proper handling of differences. He argued that interdependence is not a risk and that building walls or cutting supply chains only isolates oneself. China and the EU are highly complementary and can maintain a dynamic balance through development. China’s high quality growth and continued opening will create new opportunities, and Xi encouraged the EU to keep its markets open and exercise restraint in using restrictive trade measures, ensuring a fair business environment for Chinese investors.
Third, Xi urged both sides to practice multilateralism and safeguard the international order. He emphasised that multilateralism and solidarity are the right answers to major global choices and called on China and the EU to jointly defend the post war international system, promote fairer global governance, address climate change and other global challenges, and cooperate on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
Responding to Xi’s proposals, President Costa and President von der Leyen agreed that his three points are essential. They noted that in the 50 years since establishing diplomatic relations, the EU and China have expanded cooperation across many areas and become each other’s important trading partners. The European side recognised China’s manufacturing and technological achievements and said it supports China’s continued development. The EU is committed to deepening relations, managing differences constructively and achieving more balanced and mutually beneficial outcomes. EU leaders stressed that they do not seek to “decouple” from China and welcome Chinese investment. They underscored the joint responsibility of China and the EU to uphold multilateralism, address climate change and work for global peace and stability.
Background
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union as well as the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The EU is China’s second largest trading partner and China is a major market for EU exports and investment. There is considerable potential for cooperation in green technology, digital transformation, scientific innovation and third country market projects. The Netherlands, as a core EU member and one of China’s key trading partners in Europe, maintains close collaboration with Chinese companies in areas such as agriculture, semiconductors, logistics and sustainability. In the face of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, both sides have reiterated that adherence to free trade and multilateralism is essential for stabilising global supply chains and creating a fair business environment for enterprises.
Closing
This high level meeting sent a clear signal of China and the EU’s willingness to deepen cooperation. Leaders agreed that by upholding mutual respect, open collaboration and multilateralism, China–EU relations can make new strides in the next 50 years. For Chinese enterprises operating in the Netherlands and European companies investing in China, the meeting reinforces confidence and encourages closer cooperation in green economy, technological innovation and high level openness.
This article is based on public reporting from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. Original source: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/zyxw/202507/t20250724_11676247.shtml
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