17 January 2025
Welcome to the China-EU dynamics, and happy new year to everybody! The new year 2025 started with the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and European Council President Antonio Costa, which has set guidelines for China-EU relations in the future. Chinese FM's new year visit to Africa and the expansion of the BRICS marked the strong diplomatic ties between China and the Global South. Oh, don't miss the "post-credits scene" by the end of this edition! Enjoy the read!
WARM GREETING FROM XI
On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message to everybody in Beijing. He emphasized that China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, and attached great importance of ensuring a happy life for people. He noted that as a responsible major country, China is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, and have contributed greatly to the maintenance of world peace and stability.
HIGH LEVEL ENGAGEMENT IN THE NEW YEAR
On January 14, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa.
Xi said that China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world, firmly supported European integration and backed the EU pursuit of strategic autonomy. There exists no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, making them partners that can contribute to each other's success. China remains committed to high-quality development and high-level opening up, which will bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, the two sides should deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Costa said the EU is willing to work with China to properly address economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation. The EU is willing to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, deepen strategic mutual trust and pave the way for a better future for the development of China-EU relations.
THE 35-YEAR TRADITION CONTINUED
Chinese FM Wang Yi has visited Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11. This is the 35th consecutive year that Chinese FM visits Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of the year, reflects China's continuous commitment to enhance China-Afria friendship.
Wang said that China is ready to work with African countries to deliver tangible outcomes from the 10 partnership action plans proposed in Beijing last year, and to enhance international cooperation, global climate governance and global governance reform with Africa. China will always be the most trustworthy friend of its African brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner in their pursuit of development and revitalization, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the international stage. Regardless of changes in the international or regional landscape, China's commitment to Africa remains unwavering.
NEW MEMBER OF THE BRICS FAMILY
Warm welcome and congratulations to Indonesia on becoming a full member of BRICS. It will make active contribution to the development of BRICS, and serves the common interests of BRICS countries and the Global South. China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other BRICS members to jointly build a more comprehensive, close, practical and inclusive partnership, advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and make greater contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind
CHINA IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
The first survey on China’s international image, including 14 developed and 32 developing countries, shows that nearly 80% of foreign respondents show confidence in China’s development prospect. Some graphics:
CHINA'S VOICE
"FOUR RESPECTS" ON THE MIDDLE EAST QUESTION
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the international community to uphold "four respects" on the Middle East question when holding talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi:
▶️ Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East
▶️ Respect the legitimate and reasonable concerns of countries in the Middle East
▶️ Respect the independent choices made by the people of the Middle East
▶️ Respect the historical and cultural traditions of countries in the Middle East
Wang noted that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East, it is not an arena for major-power rivalry, nor should it be the victim of geopolitical competition among countries outside the region. China has always firmly supported them in independently exploring development paths, in resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference.
Comment by our mission's spokesperson on the Hong Kong-related Statement of an EU Official
ALL-OUT RESCUE EFFORT UNDERWAY
After a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted China's Xizang Autonomous Region, all-out rescue effort is underway. Within 48 hours of the earthquake occurring:
⚫ 407 trapped people have been rescued and over 30,000 affected residents have been relocated.
⚫ 22,000 disaster relief items dispatched.
⚫ More than 12,000 rescuers deployed.
⚫ ¥100 mln ($13.9 mln) to support disaster relief efforts allocated.
EXPERTS CORNER
SURPRISE!！！
Our mission's first event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations is underway! All participants will receive an exquisite gift, even can visit China for free! What are you waiting for, show us your creative talents and stories between China and Europe! Click on the link or scan the QR code in the poster above to learn more.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of China or our Mission, except those from the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, our Mission and other Chinese governmental websites.
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