China-Belgium cooperation will give momentum to China-EU relations

Editor’s note: Dong Yifan, CGTN’s current affairs special commentator, is a researcher at the European Institute of the China Academy of Contemporary International Relations. This article reflects the author’s opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of his CGTN.

On January 11, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo embarked on his first visit to China since taking office, demonstrating that high-level exchanges between China and Belgium will lead to further deepening and development of bilateral relations. At the same time, the importance of exchanges and cooperation between China and Belgium is not limited to bilateral relations, and will bring further stability and development momentum to China-EU relations.

The friendly relations between China and Belgium serve as a model for relations between countries large and small, developing countries and developed countries. In 1971, the Chinese and Belgian leaders jointly led the two countries to break through the Cold War barrier and establish diplomatic relations, demonstrating farsighted strategic vision and political courage. The development of Sino-Belgian relations and practical cooperation has also progressed along with China’s modernization. In 1978, the visit of then Chinese Vice Premier Gu Mu to Belgium and other European countries played an important role in initiating China’s reform and opening-up process and developing cooperation with Western countries. In the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Belgium have maximized their mutually complementary advantages in trade and science and technology, and have continued to expand the pie of common interests between the two countries.

In 2022, the bilateral economic trade volume between China and Belgium will increase by 31.4% compared to the previous year. From January to November 2023, bilateral trade between China and Belgium is expected to reach $40.6 billion, a significant increase from $27.27 billion in 2014. Belgium has become China’s seventh largest trading partner within the EU. At the same time, Belgium is one of the first European countries to enter the Chinese market. As of May 2023, it has invested in more than 1,300 projects in China, and its investment balance in China is $2.53 billion. Well-known Belgian companies such as Solvay and Bekaert are investing in China. We are leveraging our unique technological advantages to benefit from the Chinese market.

In addition to remarkable achievements in economic and trade cooperation, China and Belgium are also mutually connected partners. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the second largest port in Europe, has continued to deepen its cooperation with China over the years and functions as an important maritime hub for trade between China and Europe. There are many freight trains connecting China and Europe between Belgium, Zeebrugge, Antwerp and other Belgian cities. Liège has worked with Alibaba to build a comprehensive logistics hub connected to railways and airports, which has greatly facilitated e-commerce, cargo trade and supply chains between China and Europe. Close cooperation between the two countries will foster local employment in Belgium and leverage Belgium’s geographical advantage in Western Europe, making it a logistics and transport hub connecting Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and other European economic powers. will encourage more people to build.

Indeed, Prime Minister De Croo’s visit further demonstrated his positive intentions to promote substantial cooperation between China and Belgium and continue to strengthen bilateral relations. In February 2023, Prime Minister Alexander Decroo met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the Munich Security Conference. Mr. Decroux said that Belgium and China have always maintained close communication and exchanges. For example, they place great importance on relations with China and expect both countries to strengthen their economies, trade, and civil aviation. Cooperation in new energy and other fields demonstrates Belgium’s pragmatic attitude and strategic vision. Indeed, the Belgian business community also hopes to continue deepening practical cooperation with China. Bernard DeWitt, President of the Belgian-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out that China, as an important participant in global value chains, plays an important role in the smooth operation of manufacturing, transport and logistics. It plays an important role in stabilizing the world economy and has great significance. China and Europe will also need to maintain close economic and trade relations in the future.

From the perspective of China-EU relations, strengthening bilateral cooperation between China and Belgium will also play a special and positive role. Although Belgium is not a large European country, it is one of the founding members of the European Union. Brussels is also the dual capital of Belgium and the European Union. Historically, Belgium’s political elite has contributed to the integrated development of the European Union. Belgium, with a population of just 11 million, has contributed to two European Commission presidents, Van Rompuy and Charles Michel, which also highlights the country’s political power beyond its size within the EU. I have to.

At the same time, the diversity of Belgium’s national politics, its geographical location at the crossroads of major European countries, and its unique history make Belgian politicians extremely adept at promoting a balance of interests between different countries and political parties. It is also a flexible and realistic diplomatic concept.

Belgium will hold the rotating EU Presidency in the first half of 2024. Its main goal is to steadily advance the EU’s established development program and external agenda, while at the same time encouraging the EU to keep its established agenda squarely in place. On the important political process and developmental trajectory of the European Parliament elections.

However, there are some challenges in the current relationship between China and the EU, and Politico went so far as to describe De Croo’s visit as a “tightrope walk”, saying, “The visit comes at a difficult time in the relationship.” and promoted the stability and healthy development of the EU. The relationship between China and the EU is undoubtedly of mutual interest for both parties, and is also one of the important contributions that Belgium makes to the EU during its rotating Presidency.

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