Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed in Brussels: relations between China and the EU have global significance. Ahead of the upcoming summit, both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in a time of global uncertainty.

The year 2025 is symbolic – **50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the EU** and **80 years since the founding of the United Nations**. Wang Yi described these anniversaries as both a challenge and an opportunity. "The more complex the world is, the more we need to rely on each other as pillars of stability," he stated.

According to him, the upcoming summit of leaders should **set the direction for relations for the next 50 years**. China wants to review past experiences with the EU and send a positive signal of cooperation, peace, and sustainability.

Wang emphasized that China supports **European integration** and, together with the EU, intends to defend **multilateralism, free trade, and peaceful conflict resolution**. He also called for a united approach to address **climate threats and global challenges**.

According to him, China remains committed to **high-quality development and a high level of openness**, and wants to further **deepen economic cooperation**, expand market access, and resolve differences through dialogue – with the aim of achieving **mutual benefits**.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the upcoming summit as the **best opportunity to strengthen relations** and highlighted the EU's commitment to developing a **stable, constructive, and mutually beneficial partnership with China**.

She also confirmed that the **EU continues to recognize the "One China" policy**, and that Brussels wants to engage in open discussions with Beijing on key issues, including climate, security, and global justice.

China and the EU aim to be a **joint voice of reason and solutions** in a world teetering between conflict and uncertainty.

CMG