The Counsellors’ Office of the State Council held the online Symposium on China-Europe Relations in Beijing on November 4-5, 2020. COSC Vice Chairman Zhang Yantong and EU Ambassador to China Nicolas Chapuis spoke at the opening ceremony, which was moderated by Sun Weijia, Director General of the Department of International Exchanges and Cooperation.

Ten experts from five European countries had in-depth discussions with Chinese academics on China-Europe comprehensive strategic partnership, China-Europe collaborative efforts to uphold multilateralism and improve global governance, prospects of China-Europe practical cooperation, as well as China’s economic development and opening-up.

Symposium on China-Europe Relations

As stated by Vice Chairman Zhang in his opening address, China-Europe relations have maintained a sound momentum, but are faced with challenges and threats from unilateralism, protectionism, and the resurgence of Cold War mentality. Standing at a new crossroads, China and Europe, two major civilizations, important forces and markets, will make a positive impact on the world through deeper understanding and cooperation.

Attendees at the symposium agreed on the necessity of strengthened dialogue and candid communication between Chinese and European think tanks on important topics in China-Europe cooperation at the time of the 45th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, the raging COVID pandemic, and the accelerating changes that are unseen in a century. This will increase common understanding and facilitate the healthy development of China-Europe relations.