Europe and China need joint efforts for lasting prosperity

In recent months, we have witnessed an escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China. New tariffs have been proposed and the rhetoric on both sides has hardened. This development is creating concern among many European companies with interests in China and Chinese companies with interests in Europe.

Let us stay calm, stay connected and keep doing what businesses do best: building bridges, delivering value and dealing with problems in a pragmatic and professional way. As chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, I want to reconfirm our commitment to supporting our members' efforts through advocacy, information-sharing, matchmaking and problem-solving.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China, let us reflect on our shared journey and look ahead with clarity, ambition and mutual respect. Half a century of engagement has led to a remarkable transformation — not only in the scope of cooperation between China and the EU, but also in the depth of mutual understanding and the shared recognition of global responsibilities.

The recent meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and diplomatic envoys from the EU and its member states to China was symbolically important.

It reaffirmed a mutual commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of a stable and constructive partnership amid global uncertainty.

China and Europe, each with its own history, identity and worldview, have long understood the value of engagement. Over the past five decades, our economic ties have deepened remarkably. The EU is now one of China's largest trading partners, and China ranks among the EU's most important global counterparts. At the end of March, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency published its annual Belgian trade report. Regarding the trade between Belgium and China, the most significant finding was that China has overtaken even the US to become the biggest non-European supplier to Belgium.

Despite recent global disruptions and challenging geopolitical shifts, the bilateral trade relationship has remained strong, dynamic and indispensable. Since the start of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, they have become two of the most important actors on the global stage, together accounting for a significant share of the world's economic output, trade and investment. Their cooperation extends far beyond commerce, encompassing science and technology, education, climate change, public health and cultural exchanges.

Strengthening relations

To make China-Europe relations more prosperous, we must first embrace the principle of mutual benefit. In the global arena, competition is natural, but rivalry should not overshadow cooperation. Europe and China have much to gain by working together in sectors such as green technology, digital innovation, healthcare and infrastructure development. Both sides bring unique strengths to the table: Europe has excellence in advanced manufacturing, environmental policy and regulatory frameworks, and China's capabilities are in scaling innovation, rapid infrastructure development and digital connectivity. By identifying synergies and building frameworks that allow for collaboration while respecting each other's standards and expectations, we can unlock new opportunities for growth.

Second, we must invest in trust. It must be sustained, transparent and grounded in mutual understanding. Disagreements, whether on trade practices, human rights or global governance, must be addressed constructively, with respect for each side's values and sensitivities. In this sense, platforms like the EU-China High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue can be suitable vehicles for building long-term frameworks of cooperation and dispute resolution.

Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges remain a vital pillar of our relationship. Academic, cultural and youth exchanges can build the foundation for the next 50 years of friendship. Programs that encourage European students, entrepreneurs and artists to engage with their Chinese counterparts — and vice versa — will help to dismantle stereotypes and foster a more nuanced understanding of one another.

It is equally important to maintain a global perspective. The challenges today — climate change, public health, sustainable development and digital governance — transcend borders and require strong cooperation. China and the EU are both major players on the global stage. We share a responsibility to provide stability and vision in a fragmented world. Joint initiatives on carbon neutrality, green finance and circular economy development are just some examples of how our cooperation already has and can continue to have a far-reaching impact. Leadership in these areas will not only advance our own interests but also contribute to the global common good.

At the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, we witness the potential of constructive economic dialogue between China and Europe on a daily basis. Belgian companies, both large and small, continue to see China as a market of opportunity, while Chinese businesses find in Belgium a gateway to Europe and a hub for innovation. But realizing this potential requires predictability, openness and fairness from both sides. It also requires us to avoid decoupling or protectionist tendencies, which serve neither our economies nor our societies in the long run.

As we look ahead, it is clear that the next phase of China-Europe relations will not be without challenges. However, through persistent dialogue, practical cooperation and mutual understanding, we can ensure that EU-China relations continue to deliver progress for generations to come.

The author is chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and senior partner of Dewit Law Office based in Brussels.