Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. This relationship has also reached a critical historical juncture.

Those who care about China-EU ties are eager to know: Are China and the EU partners or rivals? Is the tone of their relationship one of dialogue and cooperation, or competition and confrontation? Will it be characterized by openness and mutual benefit, or decoupling? Can trade disputes be resolved in a timely manner? Will it be easier or more difficult for citizens of both sides to travel, study or do business in each other's countries?

Those focused on global affairs are asking whether China and the EU are willing to jointly shoulder international responsibilities, practice multilateralism, and work together to uphold the international system and rules centered around the UN, as well as the international trade framework led by the WTO. Can they collaborate to advance economic globalization, tackle global challenges and resolve international hotspots?

In the end, people are concerned about the dynamic of the era: Which will be the prevailing theme of our time, peace or conflict? Can two sides with different systems maintain unity, avoid division, or even bloc confrontation? Can human society make greater strides in the new round of technological revolution, minimizing harm and maximizing benefits?

Under the watchful eyes of the world, the 25th China-EU Summit took place in Beijing last week. The leaders from the two sides shared their views on the significant lessons learned from 50 years of China-EU relations, mapped out the future development of their ties, and reached a series of important consensus, injecting much-needed stability and certainty into the international community once again. 

First, the partnership orientation was reinforced. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, and that the fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant. The EU leaders noted that the EU is committed to deepening China-EU relations, managing differences in a constructive manner, and achieving more positive outcomes in bilateral cooperation that is balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.

Second, mutually beneficial cooperation was affirmed. Both sides emphasized that China and the EU are important trade and investment partners to each other. Xi said that the bilateral economic and trade relationship, which is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial, can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development. President of the European Council Antonio Costa noted that in these 50 years, cooperation has grown in depth and scale, and "our relationship is one of the most important and consequential in the world."

Third, differences and divergences were managed. With 50 years of development in China-EU relations, the maturity and resilience of the partnership allow both sides to raise concerns with an open and candid attitude. Both expressed a political will to enhance mutual understanding and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, sharing the belief that cooperation is preferable to confrontation. 

Finally, global challenges were addressed. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Supporting multilateralism and upholding international rules and order are central to the shared consensus between China and the EU. 

Xi stated that China and Europe should jointly uphold the international rules and order established after World War II and work together to create a more just and equitable global governance system. Costa and von der Leyen emphasized that the EU and China are important economies in the world, and that bilateral cooperation has an impact on global prosperity and stability.

Regarding the China-EU green partnership, the joint China-EU press statement on climate was issued when the US once again withdrew from the Paris Agreement. It highlighted China and the EU's strong commitment to deepening cooperation on climate change and advancing global climate governance. 

Confucius once said, at 50 one understands the mandate of heaven. For China-EU relations, aligning with the trends of the times and history, maintaining world peace, and promoting common development are the shared responsibilities of both sides. As "giants" in the international community, China and the EU must stay true to their mission of strengthening dialogue and cooperation and achieving mutual benefit. Together, they should safeguard world peace and promote global prosperity. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, China and the EU should light a beacon for the world, dispelling the shadow of hegemony, and illuminating a world of lasting peace, universal security, shared prosperity, openness, inclusivity and environmental beauty. 

The author is a commentator on international affairs. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn