China-EU mark 50 years with table tennis match

Ping-Pong Diplomacy took center stage in Brussels, Belgium on Friday as China and the European Union celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly table tennis match.

The event, held at the Mission of China to the European Union, featured remarks from Ambassador Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, and Belgian sporting legend Jean-Michel Saive, the seven-time Olympian who now serves as President of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (COIB).

The event brought together more than 200 distinguished guests from China and Europe, including Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao, Secretary-General of the European Table Tennis Union, or ETTU, Pierre Kass, Belgian Royal Table Tennis Federation President Jean-Michel Mureau, the ETTU's China goodwill ambassador Ni Xialian, and table tennis star Philippe Saive, the brother of Jean-Michel.

In his remarks, Cai emphasized the deep-rooted popularity of table tennis in both China and Europe. As one of the official events marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, this match not only honored a shared sporting tradition, but also served as a unique platform for cultural dialogue and people-to-people connection. He expressed hope that young people from both sides would continue to build bridges of friendship through the sport and further strengthen the foundation of mutual understanding between China and the EU.

Jean-Michel Saive reflected on his own memorable experiences in sports exchanges with China during his professional career. He extended heartfelt congratulations on the 50-year milestone of China-EU relations and expressed confidence that the event would contribute meaningfully to the development of closer people-to-people ties and grassroots cooperation.

After the opening ceremony, Cai joined the audience for a friendly doubles match featuring mixed China-EU teams, as well as a special exhibition match performed by the Saive brothers, bringing the spirit of friendship and collaboration vividly to life through sport.