EU and China strategic partners for long run

On 6 May 1975, forty years ago, China and the European Economic Community (EEC) officially established diplomatic relations. It was a decision taken with exceptional foresight on both sides. The world was beginning to move towards a more multipolar order: China and Europe wanted to lead that transformation.

Great changes have taken place since then. China's opening up and reform policy has brought about remarkable achievements over the past 40 years. The EEC has evolved into the European Union. We have supported each other's development and worked together to deal with global challenges such as the financial crises in 2008. Our mutually beneficial cooperation, notably our trade and economic cooperation, has made an important contribution to not only China's development and European integration, but the world's peace and development as well.

Confucius said that: "At forty, I had no more doubts." As the EU-China relationship enters its fortieth year, we are now working together to find effective solutions to issues of the highest priority for world peace and security.