Q: As China's annual "Two Sessions" are currently underway, what is the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU's comment on the current state of China–EU relations?

A: Thank you for the question. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU observes that despite a complex global environment, China–EU economic cooperation continues to demonstrate strong resilience. In 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 828.1 billion, up 5.4% year-on-year. The China–Europe Railway Express has operated more than 120,000 freight trains, connecting 232 cities in 26 European countries. These figures highlight the deep complementarity between the two economies and reaffirm that China–EU economic ties remain an important anchor of stability for global trade.

With the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, new opportunities have emerged for international cooperation. The plan emphasizes high-standard opening-up, expanded market access, and closer alignment with international trade rules, providing greater predictability for global businesses, including European companies operating in the Chinese market.

Given the scale and breadth of China–EU economic ties, differences are inevitable. What matters is addressing them through dialogue and pragmatic cooperation. Recent progress in consultations in the electric vehicle case demonstrates that both sides have the capacity to manage differences within the framework of the World Trade Organization. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU encourages both sides to continue engaging constructively and to maintain the partnership-oriented approach that has long underpinned China–EU relations.

Both China and the European Union are important advocates of multilateralism and open cooperation. At a time of rising global uncertainty, deeper China–EU dialogue and cooperation will contribute not only to mutual prosperity but also to global economic stability.

As 2026 marks the Chinese Year of the Horse—a symbol of dynamism and progress—the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU looks forward to the steady advancement of China–EU relations and to deeper cooperation founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and win–win outcomes.