（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
As China and the EU mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the global geopolitical landscape presents both a challenge and an opportunity for a deeper partnership between the two. 值此中欧建交50周年之际，全球地缘政治格局对深化中欧伙伴关系既是挑战，也是机遇。
As China and the European Union (EU) mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the global geopolitical landscape presents both a challenge and an opportunity for a deeper, more meaningful partnership between the two. Recent gestures of goodwill from both sides suggest a thaw in what has, for the past few years, been a relationship clouded by mistrust, external pressure, and economic friction. This renewed momentum toward collaboration signals not only mutual benefit for China and Europe, but also a stabilizing force for an increasingly fragmented world.
Winds of Change: A Shifting Global Context
Historically, China and the EU have had no direct clash of core interests. Despite differences in governance models, their economic and cultural engagements have thrived. In 2022, China was the EU’s largest source of imports and its third-largest export market, with trade in goods between the two reaching over €856 billion. Investments, joint ventures, and technological exchanges have flourished, with major European companies like Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, and Airbus deeply engaged in the Chinese market.
Yet, political pressure—particularly from the United States—has interrupted the natural course of EU-China relations. European bans on Chinese tech firms like Huawei, increased scrutiny of Chinese investments, restrictions on high-tech cooperation, and limitations on Chinese students in advanced scientific fields all point to externally induced caution rather than organic tensions.
However, with the re-emergence of Donald Trump on the U.S. political scene and his America-first policies—including the imposition of tariffs on EU goods, unilateralism on the Ukraine crisis, and demands for increased NATO spending—the EU is once again reminded of the importance of strategic autonomy. European leaders are beginning to realize the necessity of diversifying partnerships, rebalancing their foreign policies, and engaging with China on more equal and independent terms.
Convergence of Interests
The EU and China share far more common ground than is often acknowledged. Both are strong supporters of multilateralism, climate action, and global economic stability. Both are advocates for the peaceful resolution of international conflicts, and both recognize the benefits of an interconnected global economy.
1. Economic Synergy:
China and the EU are economically complementary. China’s industrial might and the EU’s technological and financial sophistication offer the foundation for robust trade and investment cooperation. For example, despite trade frictions, over 2,700 German companies are operating in China, and trade between China and Germany alone exceeded €300 billion in 2023. Recent EV partnerships, such as BYD’s and Nio’s growing presence in the German market, provide a lifeline to Europe’s ailing auto industry.
2. Green Transition & Climate Cooperation:
Both sides are global leaders in the green transition. China leads the world in solar panel production, battery technology, and electric vehicles, while the EU has been at the forefront of environmental regulation and green finance. Cooperation in clean energy, sustainable urban development, and carbon trading systems can accelerate the global fight against climate change. The 2019 China-EU Strategic Agenda for 2025 already outlines several avenues of green collaboration.
3. Technology & Innovation:
While concerns exist regarding intellectual property and security, the opportunities for cooperation in AI, 5G, smart manufacturing, and biotechnology are immense. Joint research programs and academic exchanges—particularly if freed from political restrictions—can enhance innovation and global competitiveness for both.
4. Global Governance & Peace:
In an age where multilateral institutions are weakened, China and the EU can jointly reinvigorate global governance. Whether it is reforming the World Trade Organization, pushing for equitable vaccine distribution, or contributing to peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East and Africa, their combined voice can be powerful. The EU’s diplomatic reach and China’s development model—exemplified by the Belt and Road Initiative—can together offer a balanced alternative to zero-sum politics.
Case in Point: Central and Eastern Europe
China’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) under the “China-CEEC 14+1” initiative has brought tangible benefits to infrastructure development, trade, and cultural ties. Countries like Hungary and Serbia have seen direct investments in railways, energy, and logistics. With proper coordination, such partnerships can align with the EU’s broader regional development goals, particularly the “Global Gateway” strategy, which aims to boost sustainable infrastructure around the world.
Opportunities in a Multipolar World
As the world tilts toward multipolarity, neither the EU nor China benefits from a binary “with us or against us” framework. Instead, embracing complexity and fostering pragmatic cooperation is the way forward. The rise of protectionism, pandemic-induced disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts like the war in Ukraine underscore the need for resilient global partnerships.
1. Boosting Investment:
Both parties should finalize and ratify the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), which has been stalled due to political tensions. The CAI can level the playing field, provide greater market access, and promote sustainable business practices.
2. Reviving People-to-People Exchanges:
Academic, cultural, and tourism exchanges must be encouraged. EU universities have historically welcomed thousands of Chinese students. Restoring such pathways can foster mutual understanding and innovation.
3. Establishing Dialogue Mechanisms:
High-level dialogues on technology, trade, climate, and digital governance can prevent misunderstandings and facilitate smoother cooperation. The China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue held in 2023 is a good start, but more frequent and thematic interactions are needed.
A Human-Centric, Peace-Driven Future
What ultimately binds China and the EU is a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. In an era where economic decoupling, ideological divisions, and military alliances threaten global harmony, the China-EU partnership can be a stabilizing anchor. The collaboration between China’s manufacturing capability and Europe’s regulatory precision can produce not only economic growth but also socially responsible innovation.
Instead of yielding to external pressure or falling into the trap of viewing each other through a lens of competition, both sides must focus on human-centric development. Investment in healthcare, education, climate adaptation, and poverty alleviation should define this new chapter.
A Partnership Worth Nurturing
The road ahead may not be without challenges, but the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. The EU-China relationship is not about choosing sides but about choosing the future—one where cooperation replaces confrontation and mutual benefit guides international relations.
As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, let this moment be a turning point—not just a symbolic milestone. Let China and the EU walk hand in hand toward a fairer global order, where their partnership contributes meaningfully to global development, economic stability, and lasting peace.
The world is watching. Let the next 50 years be defined not by suspicion and division, but by trust, openness, and shared purpose.
在中国和欧盟庆祝建交50周年之际，全球地缘政治格局为双方建立更深入、更有意义的伙伴关系提供了挑战和机遇。双方最近的友好姿态表明，在过去几年里，两国关系因不信任、外部压力和经济摩擦而蒙上阴影，双方关系正在解冻。这种新的合作势头不仅标志着中国和欧洲的互利共赢，而且是日益分裂的世界的稳定力量。
变革之风：不断变化的全球背景
历史上，中欧没有直接的核心利益冲突。尽管在治理模式上存在差异，但两国的经济和文化交往蓬勃发展。2022年，中国是欧盟第一大进口来源国和第三大出口市场，中欧货物贸易额超过8560亿欧元。投资、合资、技术交流蓬勃发展，大众、宝马、西门子、空客等欧洲大公司深入中国市场。
然而，政治压力，尤其是来自美国的压力，已经打断了欧中关系的自然进程。欧洲对华为等中国科技公司的禁令，对中国投资的审查力度加大，对高科技合作的限制，以及对中国学生在先进科学领域的限制，都指向外部诱导的谨慎，而不是有机的紧张关系。
然而，随着唐纳德·特朗普重新出现在美国政治舞台上，以及他的“美国优先”政策——包括对欧盟商品征收关税、在乌克兰危机上采取单边主义、要求增加北约开支——再次提醒欧盟战略自主的重要性。欧洲领导人开始意识到伙伴关系多样化、外交政策再平衡以及在更加平等和独立的条件下与中国接触的必要性。
利益趋同
欧盟和中国的共同点远比人们通常承认的要多。双方都是多边主义、气候行动和全球经济稳定的坚定支持者。双方都主张和平解决国际冲突，都认识到相互联系的全球经济的好处。
- 经济协同效应:
中国和欧盟在经济上具有互补性。中国的工业实力和欧盟的技术和金融实力为双方强劲的贸易和投资合作奠定了基础。例如，尽管存在贸易摩擦，但仍有2700多家德国企业在华经营，到2023年，仅中德贸易额就超过3000亿欧元。最近的电动汽车合作伙伴关系，如比亚迪和蔚来汽车在德国市场日益增长的影响力，为欧洲陷入困境的汽车业提供了一条生命线。
- 绿色转型与气候合作：
双方都是绿色转型的全球领导者。中国在太阳能电池板生产、电池技术和电动汽车方面处于世界领先地位，而欧盟在环境监管和绿色金融方面一直走在前列。在清洁能源、可持续城市发展和碳交易体系方面的合作可以加速全球应对气候变化的努力。2019年《中欧2025战略规划》已经提出了绿色合作的若干途径。
- 技术与创新：
虽然在知识产权和安全方面存在担忧，但在人工智能、5G、智能制造、生物技术等领域的合作机会巨大。联合研究项目和学术交流——特别是在不受政治限制的情况下——可以增强两国的创新和全球竞争力。
- 全球治理与和平：
在多边机制被削弱的时代，中欧可以携手重振全球治理。无论是改革世界贸易组织，推动公平的疫苗分配，还是为中东和非洲的建设和平努力作出贡献，他们的联合声音都是强大的。欧盟的外交影响力和中国的发展模式——以“一带一路”倡议为代表——可以共同为零和政治提供一个平衡的替代方案。
中欧和东欧就是一个很好的例子
中国在“中国-中东欧14+1”倡议下与中东欧国家开展合作，为基础设施建设、贸易和文化交流带来了实实在在的好处。匈牙利和塞尔维亚等国在铁路、能源和物流领域都有直接投资。通过适当的协调，这种伙伴关系可以与欧盟更广泛的区域发展目标保持一致，特别是旨在促进全球可持续基础设施的“全球门户”战略。
多极世界中的机遇
随着世界走向多极化，欧盟和中国都不会从“支持我们或反对我们”的二元框架中受益。拥抱复杂性，促进务实合作才是前进的方向。保护主义抬头、大流行引发的破坏以及乌克兰战争等地缘政治冲突凸显了建立有韧性的全球伙伴关系的必要性。
- 促进投资:
双方应最终敲定并批准因政治紧张局势而陷入僵局的《全面投资协定》（Comprehensive Agreement on Investment，简称CAI）。CAI可以创造公平的竞争环境，提供更大的市场准入，并促进可持续的商业实践。
- 振兴人文交流。
鼓励学术、文化、旅游交流。欧盟大学历来欢迎成千上万的中国学生。恢复这些途径可以促进相互理解和创新。
- 建立对话机制；
在技术、贸易、气候、数字治理等领域开展高级别对话，可以防止误解，促进合作。中欧经贸高层对话将于2023年举行，这是一个良好的开端，双方还需加强频繁的专题交流。
以人为本、和平驱动的未来
最终将中国和欧盟联系在一起的是对和平、繁荣和可持续世界的共同愿景。在经济脱钩、意识形态分歧和军事联盟威胁全球和谐的时代，中欧伙伴关系可以成为稳定之锚。中国的制造能力与欧洲的精准监管之间的合作，不仅可以带来经济增长，还可以带来对社会负责的创新。
双方不应屈服于外部压力，不应陷入竞争的陷阱，而应着眼于以人为本的发展。在医疗、教育、气候适应和减贫方面的投资应该定义这一新的篇章。
值得培养的伙伴关系
前面的道路可能不是没有挑战，但潜在的回报远远大于风险。欧中关系不是选边站，而是选择合作取代对抗、互利共赢引领国际关系的未来。
在我们庆祝建交50周年之际，让这一时刻成为一个转折点，而不仅仅是一个象征性的里程碑。让中欧携手迈向更加公平的全球秩序，让中欧伙伴关系为全球发展、经济稳定与持久和平作出有意义的贡献。
全世界都在关注。让未来50年的基调不是猜疑和分裂，而是信任、开放和共同目标。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/05/10/a-new-horizon-in-eu-china-relations/