At an event in Brussels, the Friends of Europe forum examined the increasingly complex relationship between China and the European Union (EU) amid increasing pressure to tackle global challenges including climate change.

Officials fiercely debated the future of EU-China relations as differences over areas including trade disputes persist. The event coincided with the 20-year anniversary of the EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Officials gathered in the heart of Europe to discuss relations between the two powers.

The relationship has long oscillated between cooperation and competition. There have been many positive developments in the two decades since the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership was launched.

Cooperation stronger than differences

"China-EU relations have prospered with close dialogues and enhanced cooperation which has brought tangible results to both sides," said Fu Cong, Ambassador and Head of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to the EU.

The theme of the latest discussion was 20 years on – what's next for EU-China relations. Cong said that there are more examples of cooperation than differences between both sides, but those differences need to be addressed. 

"We hope that the EU and its member states should not develop their relations with other countries at the expense of China-EU relations or at the expense of China's interests," he cautioned.

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The EU and China are at odds over some matters, such as trade, despite being key economic partners engaged in $2.5 billion of bilateral trade a day.

China's concerns

China is concerned about the EU's launch of an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the EU has been trying to reduce its economic dependence on China – including for crucial commodities.

"We see China as an essential partner but also, depending on the areas, as a competitor, and a systemic rival," acknowledged Maria Martin-Prat, European Commission Deputy Director, General for Trade.

"We are major economic partners, our bilateral relationship is important and as major economic actors, the course we set has a strong impact on the global economic outlook," added Martin-Prat.

There was also agreement at the forum that cooperation between the two global players is required to help address some of the main issues the world faces, including climate change, conflict, and the need for development. The consensus was that engagement and dialogue between the EU and China is essential to strengthening the longstanding relationship.

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