50 Years from Trickle to Torrent
Fifty years ago, trade between China and the EU was barely a trickle. Today, a single day's exchange equals the total annual trade when diplomatic ties began in 1975. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $785.8 billion—a 300-fold increase.
Xi's Three-Pillar Blueprint
At the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a vision built on:
- Mutual Respect: Elevate relations to a full partnership grounded in equality.
- Open Cooperation: Embrace green and digital collaboration while managing differences constructively.
- Multilateralism: Uphold international rules and practice shared responsibility on global challenges.
Driving Green and Digital Growth
Xi highlighted the complementary nature of China-EU economic ties. He pointed to initiatives like Chinese battery maker CALB's $2.2 billion plant in Sines, Portugal, set to create 1,800 jobs, as symbols of deeper green investment.
He also urged the EU to keep markets open and avoid restrictive trade measures, reinforcing a stable environment for overseas businesses.
Strengthening Global Stability
Both sides agreed to upgrade their export control dialogue and maintain smooth industrial and supply chains. Xi stressed that this partnership is not aimed at any third party but at reinforcing a multipolar world order.
With climate action, digital innovation and supply chain resilience on the table, China and the EU hope to chart a course that delivers stability and certainty for a globally connected future.
A New Era Ahead
As this fifty-year landmark closes, the stage is set for a new era of sustainable tech, cross-border ventures and immersive cultural exchange that resonate with young entrepreneurs, travelers and changemakers worldwide.
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Xi calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world
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