China and EU Strengthen Ties on Eve of 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Strategic Insights -

Ambassadors Jiang Feng and Perez, respectively representing China and the European Union in the African Union, met on July 23, 2025, to discuss strengthening cooperation and building consensus between the two nations. The meeting took place as China and the EU celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marked by significant growth in economic and social integration. The ambassadors emphasized the importance of maintaining international order and rules, as well as promoting cooperation in areas such as climate change and trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ambassador Jiang Feng highlighted the need for China and the EU to build consensus, address differences, and safeguard international order and rules.
  • Ambassador Perez welcomed Ambassador Jiang's assumption of office and expressed the EU's willingness to strengthen coordination with China to promote African economic and social integration.
  • The meeting took place on the eve of the China-EU Summit, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.
  • The EU and China have a basis for cooperation in various areas, including climate change and trade, and are willing to strengthen coordination to promote African economic and social integration.
  • Ambassador Perez mentioned the EU's mature cooperation mechanism with the African Union (AU) and the upcoming EU-Africa summit, which aims to strengthen EU-AU relations.

Statistics:

  • 50 years: the duration of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.
  • $?: the economic value of China-EU trade and investment in Africa.
  • 2025: the year in which the meeting between Ambassador Jiang Feng and Ambassador Perez took place.
  • 23 July 2025: the date of the meeting between Ambassador Jiang Feng and Ambassador Perez.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China: July 24 press release announcing Ambassador Jiang's courtesy call to Ambassador Perez.