Peking University, May 3, 2021: On April 23, Retrospect and Prospect: China-EU Economic and Strategic
Relations Forum, organized by Peking University-Bank of China Center for
European Union Economic and Strategic Studies, was held simultaneously
online and in the School of Economics at Peking University. More than
120 people attended the forum’s opening ceremony.
Zhang Ming, head of Chinese Mission to
the EU, emphasized the importance of China-EU relations from a strategic
perspective. According to Zhang, China and the EU should set the
general direction while respecting each other, eliminating interference,
and ensuring their stability and long-term development. The differences
in the political systems of the two sides should not become obstacles
to cooperation, nor should they evolve into geopolitical confrontations.
He pointed out that Peking University, Bank of China, and the EU-China
Chamber of Commerce jointly established the Center for European Union
Economic and Strategic Studies, which was a bold innovation that
gathered strength from all quarters to deepen cooperation.
Zhang Ming
Liu Liange, Bank of China chairman,
pointed out the great significance that the China-EU relationship has to
the development of global multilateral cooperation. He said that China
and the European Union have vigorous vitality as the world's two largest
economies. The collaboration between the two parties incorporates
strong resilience and bright prospects. As the most globalized Chinese
bank, the Bank of China will fully support the development of the Center
for European Union Economic and Strategic Studies and help it become a
research institution with considerable decision-making influence and
international reputation.
Liu Liange
Dong
Zhiyong, dean of the School of Economics and director of the Center for
European Union Economic and Strategic Studies, said that Peking
University has always been committed to building a bridge between China
and the EU to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation, and it
actively cooperates with universities and institutions in EU countries
to promote China-EU exchanges in humanities and education. Dong Zhiyong
pointed out that the Center for European Union Economic and Strategic
Studies will provide strong support for China to be recognized in Europe
and across the world. This forum will open a new door for people who
focus on China-EU economic research.
Dong Zhiyong
Feng
Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese
Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote speech on
“Opportunities and Challenges Facing China-EU Relations”. He pointed out
that China-EU relations are of vital importance. Under the current
situation, China and the EU have common interests in business, trade,
climate change, and other global challenges. In terms of geopolitics,
China and the EU pose no threat to each other, and the EU countries are
also committed to promoting the development of China-EU cooperation. But
with the development of China and the influence of external factors,
the EU’s position on China has changed. Therefore, exchanges and
cooperation need to be strengthened, and a pragmatic, rational, and
balanced model has to be explored for better China-EU relations.
Feng Zhongping
In
addition, on April 24, experts and scholars in related fields, leaders
of government agencies, and representatives of enterprises also engaged
in discussion on China-EU economic cooperation and strategic relations
through keynote speeches and round-table forums. Their topics of focus
included China-EU economic and trade relations, the digital economy, and
cooperation in green development.
Written by: Yan Zhaoyi, Qiu Kanghua
Edited by: Ma Yaoli, Jacob Tomkins
