Roundtable Discussion on China’s Relations with Belgium in view of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the EU and around the world

On Wednesday, 18 December 2024, EIAS hosted a closed-door roundtable discussion with H.E Fei Shengchao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Belgium and distinguished experts and academics to discuss "China's Relations with Belgium in view of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the EU and around the world." The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule. Introducing the ABC of Sino-Belgian relations, the focus of the discussion was directed at A) America-China relations being at the core of global politics; B) Belgium and Brussels serving as a hub in Europe connecting East and West; C) China and Change; D) the Draghi report, development, growth and competitiveness; and E) the European Union as a key actor, commemorating 50 years of EU-China relations in 2025.

Having established diplomatic relations in 1971, China and Belgium have had a long standing relationship, preceding the EU-China one. Referring to President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bruges in 2014 and in analogy with the city’s name in Flemish to the word ‘bridge,’ Belgium and China are well-placed to build more bridges bilaterally and across europe. It was stressed that with Brussels serving as the capital of Europe, Belgium has an important role to play in this regard. Furthermore, given the trade interdependencies and mutual benefits between China and the EU, there is a need for the markets and countries to remain open.

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Photo credits: EIAS