The relationship between the EU and China is currently at a pivotal moment, especially following China's recent decision to lift sanctions against European Parliament members.

High-level dialogues, such as the 10th China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue held in September 2023, highlight both parties' commitment to cooperation across various sectors.

The EU approaches its relationship with China through a lens of partnership, competition, and rivalry, balancing strategic realism with economic pragmatism.

Despite China's efforts to enhance diplomatic ties, the EU has decided against resuming negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, choosing instead to address trade imbalances in sensitive areas.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, engagement and cooperation have been central to EU policy towards China, even in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has characterized the EU-China relationship as complex, underscoring the necessity of ongoing engagement and dialogue.

As the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaches in 2025, there is a call for renewed action to redefine cooperation, emphasizing the importance of both nations in revitalizing the global trade order.

Climate change emerges as a significant area for EU-China collaboration, with opportunities in solar manufacturing and carbon regulation potentially driving innovation.

Concerns over China's growing trade surplus and state-driven subsidies have led the EU to initiate investigations into Chinese electric vehicles, reflecting economic apprehensions.

The fragmentation of the post-2024 European Parliament complicates the EU's ability to formulate a unified strategy towards China, resulting in regulatory uncertainty for businesses.

The ongoing rivalry between the US and China significantly influences EU-China relations, highlighting the need to consider long-term dynamics within a multipolar world.

The upcoming anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and confront existing challenges, advocating for multilateralism and reforms in trade governance.