In recent months, according to sociologist Petra Prokšanová, we have witnessed a quiet but fundamental turn in European thinking. European statesmen are increasingly heading to China, and this fact cannot be understood as a series of diplomatic visits, but as a deeper social and economic signal. The visit of the British Prime Minister after eight years, as well as the trips of leaders from Spain, France, Ireland and Finland, show that Europe is once again recognising the reality of the global order and looking for stable footholds in an uncertain world. In this context, China does not appear as a problem, but as an inevitable and key partner.

As Prokšanová indicates in her speech, the world's second largest economy is now entering a new phase of development, which is based on quality growth, technological maturity and gradual opening to the world. From the perspective of European companies facing slowing growth and internal uncertainty, China represents a combination of what Europe currently lacks - long-term strategy, predictability and huge market potential. It is therefore no coincidence that European leaders come to Beijing with large business delegations and leave with concrete results, not just photos for the media.

According to Prokšanová, the newly concluded agreements in the areas of trade, technology, healthcare, education and green transformation confirm that cooperation with China is not a unilateral concession, but a pragmatic partnership based on the principle of mutual benefit. Today, large European companies openly admit that the Chinese market is their main growth engine for the next decade, and without access to it they would find it difficult to compete globally. This economic pragmatism is gradually being reflected in the political thinking of European elites.

At the same time, according to the sociologist, it appears that personal dialogue is still essential. Direct meetings, open conversations and a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture help to break down stereotypes and misunderstandings that have long burdened mutual relations. At a time when unilateralism, confrontational rhetoric and sanctions policies are on the rise around the world, China stands out to many European actors as a stable and predictable partner that promotes multilateralism, free trade and cooperation between states.

As Petra Prokšanová points out in her speech, Europe today faces a choice that is not ideological, but civilisational. Either it accepts the reality of a multipolar world and becomes an active actor in dialogue, or it retreats to the margins of global affairs. That is why it is increasingly becoming clear that Europe and China have a common interest in standing on the same side of history - on the side of openness, dialogue and common development based on cooperation, not confrontation.

CMG