China and Europe must build bridges and narrow differences, says outgoing Chinese ambassador

Reflecting on his tenure as the 15^th Chinese ambassador to the European Union, Fu Cong used his farewell speech to highlight progress in China-EU relations, while urging stronger future ties.

With 2025 marking the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, Fu stressed the importance of enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership, by maintaining its positive momentum, building on the existing relationship, and fostering greater dialogue and cooperation.

Fu echoed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of “building bridges” articulated during Xi’s historic visit to Brussels 10 years ago. “Instead of erecting walls or digging holes or creating small yards, we need to build more roads and bridges,” said Fu, adding: “We need to redouble our collective efforts to bridge gaps and differences.”

Frictions not surprising

Acknowledging current frictions, which he said “(…) are not surprising with our different history, culture, social system and stage of development,” Fu urged dealing with these differences in a collaborative way: “As two major powers, there is so much at stake in what we do or fail to do together.”

Earlier this year, the European Union slapped Russia with a new round of sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, and for the first time targeted companies in mainland China suspected of helping the Kremlin get hold of advanced technology and military goods.

Looking ahead to expanding economic ties between China and the EU, Fu made a clear call to the bloc to end its protectionist trade policies, namely the anti-subsidy and anti-dumping measures, which have been in place since 2013 and were extended in July 2019 for a five-year period – the measures are due to be revised this year.

“These instruments, under the banner of de-risking, will not advance the relationship. Neither will they benefit the long-term interests of the EU,” argued Fu, explaining that China has proved itself a trustworthy partner with countries all over the world.

Expanding openness

Ambassador Fu outlined China’s commitment to further expanding its openness at a higher level, by fostering a world-class, market-oriented, and law-based business environment, widening market access, and opening China’s door wider to the world economy.

Fu said he sees potential for complementarity and cooperation in driving global economic growth by aligning development strategies, arguing that China and the EU will be able to achieve mutual benefits and common development.

Fu shared that $100 million worth of goods are traded every hour between China and the EU. A recent Eurostat report found that the bloc’s trade deficit with China reached €291 billion in 2023, with exports at €223 billion, while imports were €514 billion.

The Chinese diplomat expressed strong disagreement with the European Commission’s 2019 Strategic Outlook description of China as a cooperation partner, market competitor and systemic rival, calling it “inappropriate and not corresponding to reality”.

He recalled a recent declaration of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: “This characterization is like driving to a crossroads and finding the red, yellow, and green lights all on at the same time. It can only cause confusion and distraction.”

Practical collaboration

In his farewell remarks, Fu also underscored achievements in various areas, including political exchanges, multilateral cooperation, practical economic collaboration, and people-to-people ties.

These achievements include visits to China by European Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the 24^th China-EU Summit held last December, coordination within the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the G20, as well as China relaxing visa rules for more than 10 EU states during 2023.

With all its ups and downs, Fu described the 15 months of his tenure as China’s top diplomat to the European bloc as “a rewarding experience and great honour”.

“I have been very fortunate to be personally involved in expanding the cooperation across different priority areas, with much success, despite many challenges and hurdles,” he remarked.

[By Xhoi Zajmi I Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]

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