In a bid to counter the United States’ growing stance on protectionism, China and the European Union team up and plan an early summit in Brussels. (Photo : Google)
On May 6, Wednesday, the People's Republic of China and the European Union celebrated 40 years of strong diplomatic ties.
China, led by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, exchanged congratulations with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President.
In his congratulatory message, Li highlighted the successful maintenance of peaceful dialogues as well as cooperation with the European bloc since the establishment of EU-China relations in 1975.
"I am looking forward to co-chairing together with both of you the 17th meeting of Chinese-EU leaders this year and injecting new vitality into the all-round cooperation between China and Europe in the new area," said Li.
The Chinese Premier also mentioned in his congratulatory messages China's support of Europe's integration process. Through bilateral tries, the country aims to strengthen its strategic partnership with the EU, which is based on the 1985 EU-China trade and cooperation agreement.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk share the same sentiments with the Chinese Premier. The two EU leaders hope that the 17th meeting of Chinese-EU leaders will further bolster relations between the two economic powers and implement the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation.
Together, the EU and China have achieved significant progress over the past 40 years in different sectors, such as trade, diplomacy, economy and investment, and environment protection.
The EU is the largest economy in the world. The European bloc, composed of 28 member states, is China's largest trading partner. On the other hand, China is the EU's second largest partner in trade.
The 17th EU-China Leader's Meeting will take place in Brussels later this year.
