China EU Photo:VCG

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) was held in Germany from Friday to Sunday, and the presence of the Chinese delegation brought a warm breeze to Europe. Some European media outlets noted that, compared to politicians from some major powers, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi "used a more accommodating and reconciliatory tone to address Europeans," assuring them that China is a trustworthy partner. Hong Kong's South China Morning Post also reported that China "went on charm offensive," demonstrating a friendly and cooperative posture and a constructive attitude.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), and Wang clearly conveyed China's "worldview" to Europe and the world through his speech at the MSC and his meetings with dignitaries, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas: China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system, and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world. At the same time, China has always seen in Europe an important pole in the multipolar world. It has always believed that the two sides are partners, not rivals and that the trend of multipolarity has given China and Europe more possibilities to work together to seek the "common denominator."

The theme of this year's MSC report also focuses on "multipolarization," pointing out that this trend may become an opportunity for global governance, or it may lead to the risk of disorder due to increased polarization, implying Europe's confusion about its own role in the context of multipolarity. At present, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to deplete Europe's strategic resources, the US' unilateralist policies continue to impact transatlantic trust, while emerging technological competition, economic friction and the energy crisis have, to varying degrees, exacerbated Europe's strategic anxieties. The EU itself is a union of sovereign states inherently possessing a multilateralism gene. It understands that protectionism, technological blockades and "small yard, high fence" will only exacerbate global risks. Issues such as the digital divide, climate crisis and governance deficits require equal cooperation among multiple parties for resolution. China and Europe's interests and goals are highly aligned in these areas.

On the Ukraine crisis, which is a major concern for Europeans, Wang said that from the day after the crisis broke out, China has called for resolution through dialogue and consultation. Such a sentiment is shared by Europeans who long for peace. China has always advocated that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and emphasized that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. 

The China-proposed Global Security Initiative, which emphasizes common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concepts, offers new ideas for easing tensions in Europe.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has not stood by idly, nor has it sought to profit from the situation. Instead, it has consistently advocated for all parties to exercise restraint and has opposed the instrumentalization of the conflict. These efforts are evident to all. China is firmly committed to being a constructive force for peace in Europe, which holds great significance for the continent.

In recent years, amid a rapidly changing international landscape, China-EU relations have maintained overall stability. China has always promoted China-EU economic and trade cooperation with a mutually beneficial and win-win attitude, facilitating various aspects of people-to-people exchanges between China and the EU. Among the countries in China's "visa-free circle," European nations account for the highest proportion. From a trade volume of $2.4 billion when China established diplomatic relations with the European Community in 1975 to nearly $800 billion today; from the "high mountains and long roads" of goods trade to the operation of over 19,000 freight trains annually, both sides can clearly see that the economic complementarity between China and Europe far exceeds the competitive aspect.

Now, in the irreversible trend of multipolarity, the scope of cooperation between China and the EU has become broader. Both sides share a consensus on valuing free trade and maintaining the stability of global industrial and supply chains, as well as identifying potential growth points for cooperation in emerging industries such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence. There exists a vast win-win space between Europe's demand for "strategic autonomy" and China's need for high-quality development.

The MSC has always served as a barometer of Europe's security outlook. In recent years, the themes of its reports have shifted from "Westlessness" to "unlearning helplessness" to the current focus on " multipolarization," reflecting a transition in European security strategy from passive response to pragmatic adjustment. This year's conference features an event on China, with approximately 30 percent of speakers coming from "Global South" countries, demonstrating Europe's respect for the evolution of the international power structure.

However, we also see that, constrained by dependence on the US for security, there are still internal divisions within Europe regarding its policy toward China. 

Some politicians view China as a "systemic rival," and fluctuations in policy toward China may delay the progress of cooperation between China and the EU. To transform the consensus between the two sides into action, it is necessary to bridge the dual gaps of perception and interests.

Despite facing some challenges in recent years, both sides still hope to carry forward and enhance the friendship and cooperation established over the past 50 years. China has always been a promoter of peace and an advocate for cooperation, consistently serving as a constructive force in China-Europe and international affairs. Whether in climate negotiations or artificial intelligence governance, there are broad common interests between China and the EU in maintaining a multilateral framework. In this transformative world, further cooperation between China and Europe will be beneficial in building a more equitable and reasonable international order, jointly crafting a new narrative for a multipolar world.