On May 6, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, as well as two major forces promoting multi-polarization, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have had close exchanges at all levels and in all fields, with fruitful results in dialogue and cooperation, vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and effective multilateral coordination. The China-EU relationship has become one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world, making important contributions to enhancing the well-being of the Chinese and European people and promoting world peace and development.

Xi Jinping emphasized that at present, the world is undergoing accelerated evolution of the once-in-a-century changes, and human society has once again come to a critical crossroads. A healthy and stable China-EU relationship not only benefits each other but also illuminates the world. He attaches great importance to the development of China-EU relations and is willing to work together with President Michel and President von der Leyen to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to summarize the experience of the development of China-EU relations, deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, consolidate the partnership position, expand mutual opening up, properly handle frictions and differences, and open up an even brighter future for China-EU relations. The two sides should uphold multilateralism, defend fairness and justice, oppose unilateral bullying, jointly address global challenges, and jointly promote an equal and orderly world multi-polarization and an inclusive economic globalization, making greater contributions to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

The EU leaders said that over the past 50 years, China has achieved the fastest sustained economic growth in history. The EU and China have established extensive contacts and become each other's most important trading partners, contributing to the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the economy of both sides. Against the backdrop of current global uncertainties and geopolitical changes, the EU is willing to deepen its partnership with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, jointly address common challenges, and promote world peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

On the same day, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council exchanged congratulatory messages with President Michel and President von der Leyen. Li Qiang said that the Chinese side is willing to work with the European side to adhere to the positioning of a comprehensive strategic partnership, further enhance the stability, constructiveness, reciprocity and global nature of China-EU relations, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world.

The EU leaders said that over the past 50 years, EU-China relations have continued to deepen and expand. The EU is willing to work with China to jointly address global challenges such as climate change and safeguard multilateralism and a stable international order.