50 years of diplomatic ties between China and the EU

It's 50 years since diplomatic ties were made between China and the EU. To mark the occasion, CGTN has spoken to several leading political figures...

China and the EU — Partners, not rivals

Marking five decades of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, CGTN Europe's Li Jianhua sat down with Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, for an exclusive interview on where the relationship stands — and where it might be headed.

Ambassador Cai painted a picture of deepening ties, with trade soaring from just $2.4 billion in 1975 to nearly $785 billion in 2024. He pointed to strong economic interdependence, robust investment flows, and the success of the China-Europe Railway Express as signs of a relationship built on mutual benefit. "We are partners, not rivals," he said.

Still, frictions persist — from electric vehicles to market access and regulatory concerns. Cai pushed back on politicizing trade and called for a fair, predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises in Europe. He also urged both sides to "turn friction into cooperation," highlighting green tech, artificial intelligence, and multilateralism as promising paths forward.

With global instability on the rise, Cai called for closer strategic coordination and high-level dialogue. He described China-EU ties as a force for stability and growth — not just for the two sides, but for the world at large.

Portugal's message to China and the EU: Build bridges, not walls

As China and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, Portugal is positioning itself as a pragmatic player — committed to European values, yet firmly open to deeper cooperation with China.

In an interview with CGTN correspondent Li Jianhua, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro said Portugal aims to be a "bridge builder" amid rising global tensions and economic uncertainty.

Chinese foreign investment in Portugal reached $4.3 billion last year — a record high — with energy, transport, and green technology leading the way.

Leitão Amaro said Portugal's strategic location, skilled workforce and longstanding focus on renewables made it an ideal partner for China's green ambitions. "We started the green revolution two decades ago," he noted, adding that new Chinese investments in Portugal reflect confidence in the country's sustainability credentials.

With uncertainty looming over future U.S. trade policy and the EU's approach to China, Portugal is calling for dialogue over decoupling. Leitão Amaro argued that cooperation with China, particularly in green tech and infrastructure, is not just strategic — it's necessary. "We must de-risk, but also de-escalate," he said.

Blanár: Slovakia can be China's gateway to Europe

As China and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Slovakia is stepping up its ties with Beijing — not pulling back. In an interview with CGTN correspondent Li Jianhua, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said Bratislava can be China's "gateway" into the European Union, with plans to expand cooperation across trade, culture, education and investment.

Slovakia is already seeing results. Chinese battery giant Gotion High Tech is investing $1.3 billion in the country — one of the largest foreign investments in Slovakia's history — as part of the green transition. Blanár said the move strengthens Slovakia's position as a leading car producer and supports its shift towards electric vehicles.

Slovakia is also one of the few EU members to oppose tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, warning that a trade war would hurt both sides. "We don't want this," said Blanár, pointing out that Slovakia exports a significant number of high-end cars to China and relies heavily on global supply chains.

It's a balancing act for Slovakia to navigate among Brussels, Beijing and Washington, as geopolitical tensions rise. "We want good relations with all sides," Blanár said, adding that protectionism — whether from the U.S. or within the EU — risks undermining growth and global cooperation at a critical time.

Italy calls for fair, balanced trade with China: 'It's time to sit down and talk'

As China and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Italy's Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, is calling for "mutual respect, balance, and dialogue" in navigating increasingly turbulent global trade waters. In an interview with CGTN correspondent Li Jianhua, Valentini said Rome remains committed to open markets — but only if trade is "fair, regulated and mutually beneficial."

As a major export-driven economy, Italy seeks a balanced approach that aligns with both national interests and broader EU policies.

As the U.S. announced sweeping tariffs on the world, including its traditional allies, Valentini stressed "If something doesn't work, we have to tell each other straight in the face. It's time to sit down and talk."

Slovenia: 'Only through collaboration can we overcome challenges'

In a time of geopolitical strife, Matevž Frangež, State Secretary in Slovenia's Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, notes that humans can achieve far more if they work together.

"Humans have big challenges ahead of us," he tells CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic, "and only through collaboration, through stability, through fostering innovation and investment, can we overcome these challenges."

Frangež notes that 85 percent of Slovenia's GDP comes from exports, and explains why Slovenia was one of five EU countries which voted against imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs.