🎉 This year marks 50 years since the Chinese mainland and the European Union established diplomatic ties. In a special episode of The Hub, host Huang Jiyuan sat down with Grzegorz W. Kołodko—former deputy prime minister of Poland and distinguished professor at the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University—to reflect on five decades of cooperation and the path ahead.
From early trade agreements to today's complex geopolitical landscape, China–EU relations have evolved through ups and downs. Kołodko highlights how economic integration has expanded: the EU is now one of the Chinese mainland's top trading partners, while Chinese mainland investments in key EU sectors have grown significantly.
But it hasn't been all smooth sailing. Rising global tensions and economic headwinds are testing the partnership. To safeguard the post-war international order—rooted in principles of multilateralism and peaceful development—Kołodko urges both sides to remember history. Drawing from Poland's own post-war journey, he says: 'We must learn from the past so we don't repeat the same mistakes.'
Looking to the immediate future, all eyes are on French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to the Chinese mainland. Kołodko sees this as a major chance to deepen dialogue and launch fresh initiatives in green tech, digital cooperation and cultural exchange.
The conversation also touched on regional flashpoints. Kołodko firmly opposed recent erroneous remarks by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, stressing that constructive dialogue is key to stability in the Taiwan Strait.
As China–EU ties celebrate their golden anniversary, this episode of The Hub reminds us that strong partnerships rely on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to the rules-based order. At a time when the global stage is shifting, both sides face a choice: drift apart or double down on cooperation. 🌍
Reference(s):
Upholding the post-war order: 50 years of China-EU relations
cgtn.com
