Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said that China is willing to enhance “pragmatic cooperation” with the European Union and bolster dialogue and communication.
Over the past few months, China and the European Union have sent signals regarding a possible thawing of bilateral ties since the United States imposed tariffs on both sides. They have agreed to reconsider mutual trade barriers, and reports emerged of EU leaders’ possible travels to China in July.
He Yongqian also said that China wants to
“maintain the stability and smooth flow of the global industrial chain and supply chain and inject more certainty and positive energy into the world economy with the independence and stability of China-EU economic and trade relations.”
Is the EU warming up to Beijing again?
A few weeks ago, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in Beijing, capital of China, on March 27, 2025.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said China seeks to collaborate with the EU in enhancing dialogue and exchanges, addressing economic and trade differences appropriately, increasing mutual openness, and fostering the healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations.
He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic.
Will the 50th anniversary spark new cooperation?
He acknowledged that this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with the EU to fulfil the significant agreements made by their leaders, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and uphold the multilateral trading system.
Sefcovic emphasised that China is a key partner for the EU and expressed his desire to leverage the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations to enhance economic and trade cooperation. He also concurred that any differences should be settled through dialogue and consultation.
