Archives July 2024

On July 5, 2024, Yin Li, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, met in Beijing with José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Chairman of the Europe–China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC) and former Prime Minister of Spain.

During the meeting, Yin Li commended Zapatero for his positive role in promoting practical cooperation between China and Europe. He noted that China and Europe are two major forces promoting multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity. China–EU relations therefore carry strategic significance and global influence. The European Union is Beijing’s largest trading partner, and in recent years exchanges and cooperation between Beijing and EU member states have continued to deepen, becoming a vivid reflection of China–EU relations. Yin expressed the hope that ECECDC will play an active role in promoting deeper mutually beneficial cooperation between various sectors in the EU and China, as well as Beijing, allowing all sides to share greater development opportunities. Beijing stands ready to work with the Council to enhance mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe, promote the sustained, stable and sound development of China–EU relations, and further expand economic and trade exchanges between Beijing and European countries. He also called for stronger mutual promotion and support for enterprises investing and operating in each other’s markets; deeper cooperation in scientific and technological innovation through better alignment of innovation resources; and expanded collaboration in fields such as new energy vehicles, biomedicine, and green environmental protection. In addition, he emphasized strengthening exchanges in cultural and tourism, education, and youth sectors to further enhance friendship between the peoples of China and Europe.

Zapatero stated that China–EU relations are of vital importance to global peace and stability. As a good friend of China within the European Union and an important partner, Spain firmly supports openness and free trade and is committed to promoting mutually beneficial and win-win development between Spain and China. ECECDC will actively play its role in promoting continued exchanges and cooperation between various sectors of the EU and China, as well as Beijing, in areas including trade, investment, and culture. Pan Feng, President of ECECDC, and Marta Betanzos Roig, Ambassador of Spain to China, also attended the meeting.

From July 3rd to 5th, Chairman of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC) and former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, accompanied by Spanish Ambassador to China, Marta Betanzos Roig, and Pan Feng, President of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council, visited China to attend the 8th Global Think Tank Summit. This summit, hosted by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, was themed “Working Together for a Better World Amidst Multiple Uncertainties”.

On 4 July 2024, Mr. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Chairman of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC) and former Prime Minister of Spain, met in Beijing with Mr. Ma Hui, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Ms. Marta Betanzos, Ambassador of Spain to China, and Mr. Pan Feng, President of ECECDC, were also present.

Mr. Zapatero spoke positively of the China–Spain comprehensive strategic partnership and emphasized Spain’s willingness to play an active role within the European Union to promote the healthy development of Europe–China relations. He stated that he advocates deepening mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation and opposes trade protectionism. Against the backdrop of a turbulent international situation, Spain attaches great importance to China’s international status and influence, and is willing to further expand channels for dialogue and areas of cooperation with China, uphold multilateralism, enhance coordination and cooperation in international and multilateral arenas, and jointly address global challenges.

 Mr. Ma Hui noted that Spain is a country with significant influence and that former Prime Minister Zapatero has long been committed to promoting the development of China–Spain and China–Europe relations. China is willing to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen pragmatic cooperation across various fields, promote the healthy and stable development of China–Spain and China–Europe relations, and jointly make positive contributions to world peace, stability, and prosperity. Mr. Ma Hui also exchanged views on issues including the European Union’s proposed imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

On July 4, 2024, a delegation led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Chairman of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC) and former Prime Minister of Spain, visited the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park. The visit was accompanied by Cui Xiaohao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Shunyi District Committee and District Mayor, as well as Pan Feng, President of Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC), and other relevant officials. During the visit, the delegation viewed a promotional video of the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park and examined the planning and construction model of the park. They received a comprehensive briefing on the park’s overall planning and development, service functions, and key enterprise projects, and conducted an on-site visit to the production line of the Bosch Industry 4.0 Innovation Center. Throughout the tour, Mayor Cui Xiaohao introduced Shunyi District’s locational advantages, industrial strengths, and future directions for industrial cooperation, with a focus on China–Europe economic and technological collaboration. He expressed the hope that, by leveraging the international cooperation model of the China-Germany Industrial Park, Shunyi would further strengthen close cooperation with international organizations, facilitate the implementation of industrial projects, promote two-way flows of talent, technology, and projects, and achieve mutual development. Zapatero highly commended the achievements of the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park in advancing technological innovation, industrial development, and fostering an international business environment. He noted that the park has established an efficient and open platform for communication and exchange in China–Germany (Europe) economic and technological cooperation, promoting in-depth collaboration in key areas such as technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and green development. As a bridge for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe, ECECDC also plays an important role in advancing China–Germany (Europe) win-win cooperation. He expressed the hope that both sides will further strengthen collaboration, fully leverage their respective strengths and resources, jointly deepen China–Germany (Europe) economic and technological cooperation and development, and open a new chapter of mutual benefit and shared success.